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.
This work dominated the art scene last year.
Our team dominated play throughout the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Roki Sasaki dominated early, facing one over the minimum through five innings, before giving up back-to-back homers to Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso.
—
Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
South Africa is dominating possession (63% to 37%) and has made over 100 more accurate passes than Czechia.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Where to eat Vaudin says that the island’s food scene, once dominated by tourist traps, has slowly blossomed.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Atlanta scored 20 points off those miscues and dominated the paint, finishing with 60 points inside.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
South Africa is dominating possession (63% to 37%) and has made over 100 more accurate passes than Czechia.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Where to eat Vaudin says that the island’s food scene, once dominated by tourist traps, has slowly blossomed.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Atlanta scored 20 points off those miscues and dominated the paint, finishing with 60 points inside.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 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 21 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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