dominate

verb dom·i·nate \ ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Examples: dominate in a Sentence

Definition of dominate

dominated; dominating

transitive verb

1 : rule, control

an empire that dominated the world

2 : to exert the supreme determining or guiding influence on

the ambition that has 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

sugar maples dominate the forest

b : to have a commanding or preeminent place or position in

name brands dominate the market

intransitive verb

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

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dominative

play \-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective

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dominator

play \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

See dominate defined for English-language learners

See dominate defined for kids

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 of dominate from the Web

Hughes was back on the mound July 12 for Hinsdale and dominated.

— chuck fieldman, chicagotribune.com, "Hinsdale 12-year-olds win Little League Baseball District championship, head to sectionals," 13 July 2018
Some in Europe suspect that Trump is also trying to use the energy issue as a means of prolonging Europe’s dependence on the US – and perhaps even dominating it by aggravating divisions between Europe’s east and west.

— howard lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, "How strong a Europe does US want? In Trump era, that's still the issue.," 13 July 2018
The championship between France and Croatia will draw a huge audience at 11 a.m. Sunday on Fox and dominate many discussions.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Jonestown: An American Tragedy,' Sacha Baron Cohen: This weekend," 13 July 2018
To make sure the largest states do not dominate the rest, the constitution provides equal representation for all the states, large and small alike.

— The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018
That appears to have happened again this year in the show categories, where projects from the broadcast and cable networks dominate the nominations.

— natalie jarvey, The Hollywood Reporter, "Apple's 'Carpool Karaoke' Nabs Short-form Emmy Nomination," 12 July 2018
Before the pipeline arrived, agriculture dominated the area around the terminal, Boise architectural historian Dan Everhart said.

— sven berg, idahostatesman, "A 60-year-old fuel terminal could leave Boise’s Bench. Here’s what could replace it.," 11 July 2018
Wine book author Kevin Begos explains that just a few varieties of wine grapes dominate the industry, which leaves them vulnerable to potentially catastrophic disease outbreaks.

— steve mirsky, Scientific American, "Favorite Wine Grapes May Need Genetic Help," 10 July 2018
Sitting by the fire and drinking beers while dominating Monopoly under the stars is sublime.

— the editors, Outside Online, "Beyond Books Club: The 'American Wolf' Author Podcast," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dominate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of dominate

Latin dominatus, past participle of dominari, from dominus master; akin to Latin domus house — more at dome

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1611

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

dominate Synonyms

Synonyms

conquer, overpower, pacify, subdue, subject, subjugate, subordinate, vanquish;

Near Antonyms

discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter;

enslave;

break, clamp down (on), crack down (on), put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, smother, snuff (out), squash, squelch, suppress;

DOMINATE Defined for English Language Learners

dominate

verb

Definition of dominate for English Language Learners

: to have control of or power over (someone or something)
: to be the most important part of (something)
: to be much more powerful or successful than others in a game, competition, etc.

DOMINATE Defined for Kids

dominate

verb dom·i·nate \ ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt \

Definition of dominate for Students

dominated; dominating

: to have a commanding position or controlling power over

The mountain dominates the landscape.

Word Root of dominate

The Latin word dominus, meaning “master,” gives us the root domin. Words from the Latin dominus have something to do with being another's master. To dominate is to have power and control over as if being someone's master. A domain, or land under the control of a government, is a land with a particular master or ruler. Dominion is controlling power, similar to the power of a master over others.