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
The Dallas Cowboys were without several offensive linemen and their top receiver, and went on the road and dominated the New York Jets.
—
Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
In Mexico, however, SVOD operators, headed by Netflix and Disney+, dominated new series numbers.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
The collection is designed to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams — especially in sports and male-dominated fields.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, one strain, Stratus, continues to dominate all others in the country, accounting for an even higher percentage of cases than last month.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dominate
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Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
In Mexico, however, SVOD operators, headed by Netflix and Disney+, dominated new series numbers.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
The collection is designed to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams — especially in sports and male-dominated fields.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, one strain, Stratus, continues to dominate all others in the country, accounting for an even higher percentage of cases than last month.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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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