dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 
dominated; dominating
2
: to exert the supreme determining or guiding influence on
ambition dominated his life
3
: to overlook from a superior elevation or command because of superior height or position
a hill that dominates the town
4
a
: to be predominant in
maples dominate the forest
b
: to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in
name brands dominate the market
1
: to have or exert mastery, control, or preeminence
his desire to dominate
a dominating factor in industrial growth
2
: to occupy a more elevated or superior position
Examples of dominate in a Sentence
One company has dominated the market for years.
He dominated her life for many years.
His work dominated the art scene last year.
Our team dominated throughout the game.
Our team dominated play throughout the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
What a way for the Americans to get their World Cup journey started, dominating Paraguay 4-1 to secure the full three points in their opening game.
—
Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
As screens dominate work, school and leisure, knowing the warning signs and how to ease them has become a daily-life issue, not a niche health concern.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Four of the videos show eyewitness footage of strange encounters, a shift from previous releases, which were dominated by military footage.
—Stefan Becket, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Listing agent Susan Richards-Slavik of Coldwell Banker Realty said the result is transportive, especially in a foothill luxury market where Tuscan-style and contemporary homes dominate.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
As screens dominate work, school and leisure, knowing the warning signs and how to ease them has become a daily-life issue, not a niche health concern.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2026
Four of the videos show eyewitness footage of strange encounters, a shift from previous releases, which were dominated by military footage.
—Stefan Becket, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Listing agent Susan Richards-Slavik of Coldwell Banker Realty said the result is transportive, especially in a foothill luxury market where Tuscan-style and contemporary homes dominate.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dominate
Cite this Entry
“Dominate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dominate. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt
dominated; dominating
1
: to have a commanding position or controlling power over
2
: to seem to command by rising high above
a volcano dominates the island
Etymology
derived from Latin dominari "to rule, govern, control," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dame, domain, dominion, don entry 2
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