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
Truthfully, at this point, no one expected another makeup trend within the clean beauty movement, which is beginning to show signs of exhaustion after dominating the scene for a few years.
—
Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2025
In this home, the designer peppered the living room with turquoise and lavender, while in the den (which opens to the main living area), a deeper teal and violet dominate.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Bustling ecosystem The ancient creature perished along the banks of a shallow river within a semi-arid landscape dominated by a slow-moving river system.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
Local conditions such as zoning rules, housing supply, population growth and job markets continue to dominate, but even modest improvements in affordability can meaningfully affect household balance sheets and confidence.
—Brian Blank, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2025
In this home, the designer peppered the living room with turquoise and lavender, while in the den (which opens to the main living area), a deeper teal and violet dominate.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Bustling ecosystem The ancient creature perished along the banks of a shallow river within a semi-arid landscape dominated by a slow-moving river system.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
Local conditions such as zoning rules, housing supply, population growth and job markets continue to dominate, but even modest improvements in affordability can meaningfully affect household balance sheets and confidence.
—Brian Blank, The Conversation, 29 Dec. 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 30 Dec. 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
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