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 of preponderance

• 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

The preponderance of patients paying out of pocket for these products is actually creating this dynamic where the companies are lowering their list price to compete for cash-paying customers. —Christopher Rowland The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026

And thanks in large part to the preponderance of weeknight Group of 6 games, only two of those 16 matchups fall on the same date. —Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

The council approved the matter on a 3-2 vote despite the preponderance of public comments opposing the project and an organized effort to stop it. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026

The preponderance of the population can aspire to high-tier normiedom at best. —Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2026

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