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
One is the 60-year-old scion of a political dynasty which has dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades.
—
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The Belgium international has started to utilise his physical traits, increasingly aggressive in duels and more willing to dominate his opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
On a night when neither Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold nor Patriots quarterback Drake Maye found consistent rhythm, the Seahawks’ defense dominated.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Jon Caplis, founder and CEO of hedge fund industry data provider PivotalPath, said medium-term trend followers, which dominate its Managed Futures Index, have generated consistent performance across several drivers, including long bets on precious metals.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The Belgium international has started to utilise his physical traits, increasingly aggressive in duels and more willing to dominate his opponent.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
On a night when neither Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold nor Patriots quarterback Drake Maye found consistent rhythm, the Seahawks’ defense dominated.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Jon Caplis, founder and CEO of hedge fund industry data provider PivotalPath, said medium-term trend followers, which dominate its Managed Futures Index, have generated consistent performance across several drivers, including long bets on precious metals.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 9 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 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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