preponderance

noun

pre·​pon·​der·​ance pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: a superiority in weight, power, importance, or strength

2

a

: a superiority or excess in number or quantity

b

: majority

Synonyms

• dominance
• superiority
• distinction
• reputation

Examples of preponderance in a Sentence

not since Rome in its glory days had a nation enjoyed such overwhelming military preponderance

a preponderance of the evidence points to the guilt of the defendant

Recent Examples on the Web

Civil juries decide liability and damages by a preponderance of evidence rather than the higher criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt; this distinction shaped the stakes and legal strategy in the trial. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

The crowd and the preponderance of an App State tradition — black-and-gold overalls were worn by many fans — was also notable. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025

Sports in particular is ripe for bundling, given the unraveling of traditional pay-TV and the preponderance of niche services left in limbo by the transition to digital. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2025

Allow this pocket-size ornithologist to sort it out One of the things that most surprises visitors to London is the preponderance in recent years of large, aggressive, bright-green parakeets—often dozens of them flocking together. —Jonathan Margolis, Air Mail, 2 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

preponderance

noun

pre·​pon·​der·​ance pri-ˈpän-d(ə-)rən(t)s 

: a greater quantity, number, weight, or importance

the preponderance of evidence suggests that the accused is guilty