dominate

verb

dom·​i·​nate ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 

dominated; dominating

transitive verb

1

: rule, control

an empire that dominated the world

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

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

dominative

ˈdä-mə-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

dominator

ˈdä-mə-ˌnā-tər 

noun

Synonyms of dominate

• subdue
• conquer
• subject
• defeat
• overcome

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

Gobert dominates Rudy Gobert’s consistency has been one of the highlights of the Timberwolves’ 2025-26 campaign to date. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2026

While electrification and software-defined vehicles dominate public discussion, AI is the invisible layer binding everything together—from driver assistance and infotainment to manufacturing, safety, and autonomy. —Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

SocGen analysts said ETFs have dominated price action for both gold and silver since October, though central bank purchasing may have begun to ease back. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

Conference watch The Big 12 and the Big Ten continue to dominate the Top 25. —Dave Skretta, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dominate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids 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

domination

ˌdäm-ə-ˈnā-shən

noun

dominative

ˈdäm-ə-ˌnāt-iv 

adjective

dominator

-ˌnāt-ər 

noun

Etymology

derived from Latin dominari "to rule, govern, control," from dominus "master, owner" — related to condominium, dame, domain, dominion, don entry 2