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

Some models predict that atmospheres that contain very few elements heavier than helium have a preponderance for more phosphine. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2025

The preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case. —Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025

The preponderance today in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street of Anglophone Brahmins interfacing between the ruling classes of India and the United States, from Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella to Balaji Srinivasan, is no coincidence. —Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

This year, gold surged past major thresholds, as the traditional hedge against inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty has been propelled by a preponderance of both. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 Sep. 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