Synonyms of dominant

dominant

adjective

ˈdä-mə-nənt 

as in main

coming before all others in importance

the dominant authority on the English language

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• predominant
• greatest
• highest
• primary
• foremost
• big
• leading
• first
• key
• central
• principal
• chief
• supreme
• cardinal
• paramount
• overriding
• great
• premier
• sovereign
• overbearing
• primal
• prior
• master
• capital
• No. 1
• top
• preeminent
• distinguished
• major
• number one
• overmastering
• outstanding
• sovran
• grand
• important
• superior
• senior
• notable
• arch
• eminent
• prestigious
• influential
• stellar
• noteworthy
• illustrious
• signal
• numero uno
• high-level
• star
• mighty
• significant
• noble
• unequalled
• unparalleled
• famous
• incomparable
• momentous
• unequaled
• renowned
• celebrated
• famed
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• last
• minor
• negligible
• insignificant
• slight
• unimportant
• secondary
• trivial
• subordinate
• inferior
• inconsequential
• collateral
• inconsiderable
• trifling
• subsidiary

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dominant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dominant are paramount, predominant, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When is paramount a more appropriate choice than dominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to dominant, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When is it sensible to use predominant instead of dominant?

The words predominant and dominant can be used in similar contexts, but predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When would preponderant be a good substitute for dominant?

While the synonyms preponderant and dominant are close in meaning, preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dominant

Nike went public in December 1980 and quickly became the most dominant sneaker brand, partnered with some of the top athletes across sport. —Jessica Golden, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025

Big Blue’s front four was just as dominant on Day 2, this time at the Giants’ facility in East Rutherford. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025

Xi’s ability the choke off western access to essential components has become the dominant topic of discussion during all three rounds of bilateral talks so far. —Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025

Other young pitchers stepping up in bullpen Nunez was dominant in 11 outings for the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate this season, surrendering no runs in 12 1/3 innings of work, and held a 3.86 ERA in four MLB appearances for San Diego. —Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2025