Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of predominant are dominant, paramount, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When can dominant be used instead of predominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to predominant, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When could paramount be used to replace predominant?

In some situations, the words paramount and predominant are roughly equivalent. However, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

In what contexts can preponderant take the place of predominant?

The words preponderant and predominant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of predominant While fighting through debilitating treatments for Stage 2 nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, Enright has derived motivation from the possibility of being an inspiration for someone else confronting a similar hardship. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Marilyn Miller Language Academy is an elementary school with 526 students and a predominant Hispanic population of 69%, according to state data from the 2023-24 school year, the latest available. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025 Even as broadband and wireless internet became the predominant way people access the internet, AOL never stopped offering its sluggish service that connects people to its service over a landline. Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2025 The recent change from a predominant southwest wind to a northwest was good news for the town of Meeker and other areas along the northern edge of the fire. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant
Adjective
  • The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which has organized dozens of boats to sail to Gaza carrying humanitarian aid, said that one of its main vessels was targeted in a drone strike just after midnight local time on Tuesday while docked near the Tunisian capital.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Tribhuvan International Airport, the country's main international airport, was also shut down due to smoke in the area.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This particular finding presents a more nuanced framing of gun violence and challenges dominant narratives about Chicago’s violence that have plagued the city’s reputation for decades.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Google’s browser is now even more dominant, increasing its share to more than 70%.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access, hand crews and aviation resources will remain the primary suppression tools.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Charlotte voters will finalize their primary picks for mayor and City Council on Tuesday.
    Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Agni Ghosh, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Now, one of the family’s foremost talents has struck out on her own, pioneering a new roster of wines that reflect her own passions and interests.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The bowl is big, almost as wide across as a soccer ball.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There were big donations for conservation efforts, including donations to help protect the Vjosa River in Albania.
    David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Second quarter 2025 billings registered a 3% quarter-over-quarter expansion supported by the leading-edge logic, advanced high bandwidth memory (HBM) related DRAM applications, as well as increase in shipments to Asia.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Someone else Johansson would love to see on SNL this season is her Eleanor the Great leading lady.
    Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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