dominate
verb
dom·i·nate
ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 
dominated; dominating
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
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
Iga Świątek dominated American Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon women’s final, winning in straight sets 6-0, 6-0 on Saturday.
—
Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 July 2025
Sure, the former No. 3 pick in the draft should dominate summer league action against players, the majority of which will either end up in the G League or overseas.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025
That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
To battle back against the formidable warlord bent on dominating the universe, Empire and the Foundation just might have to join forces to survive the impending extermination of their own existences.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 12 July 2025
Sure, the former No. 3 pick in the draft should dominate summer league action against players, the majority of which will either end up in the G League or overseas.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 12 July 2025
That part of the industry, once dominated by amateurs making funny viral videos with smartphones has blossomed into a formidable entertainment force, where video creators are setting up real businesses with large studios in Southern California funded through advertising by major brands.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
To battle back against the formidable warlord bent on dominating the universe, Empire and the Foundation just might have to join forces to survive the impending extermination of their own existences.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 11 July 2025
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 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share