DOMINANT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dominant

adjective

ˈdä-mə-nənt

Definition of dominant

as in main

coming before all others in importance the dominant authority on the English language

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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 dominant Another complicating factor is that H1N1 has been the dominant strain this year, compared to the previous few years when the H3N2 strain was the predominant one. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026 In traditional motor design, thermal constraints are a dominant factor. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026 No handbag trend was more dominant on the fall 2026 runways than the top-handle. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Bullish investors say that the tech leaders have long histories of operations, and legacy businesses that are dominant enough to prop them up for the foreseeable future. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

His main instinct is to pull out a wad of bills and fling it in their faces.

— Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Early Friday, a drone carrying four missiles destroyed the transformers at Shendi’s main substation, the local security committee said.

— Hamza Fahmy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Another complicating factor is that H1N1 has been the dominant strain this year, compared to the previous few years when the H3N2 strain was the predominant one.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The conversation explores the complex dynamics between small-scale and industrial agriculture, with a predominant focus on the challenges and implications of each approach.

— Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

The Heat used Larsson, Portis, Hardaway and Nikola Jovic as its four primary reserves for the third straight game to start the season.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
One thing most agree on is that the diminishment of competitive seats leads to greater polarization because legislators are only beholden to primary voters.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The Lakers went to sleep in the second quarter and started to get cooked by the Warriors, watching their big lead get sliced to 53-53 at the half.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Now, having just turned 81 years old, Lula faces his biggest challenge of all.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of big

Adjective

Williams and Storrie return to front the series, with Justice Smith, Charlie Gillespie, Daniel Diemer and Shaheen Jafargholi joining them in leading roles for the second season.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Earlier this year, Netflix kicked off its distribution deal with leading commercial broadcaster TF1, giving subscribers access to the network’s linear and on-demand programming directly through the streaming platform.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of leading

Adjective

Rodney Rice had 15 points and nine assists in his first game since a season-ending shoulder injury last year, and KJ Lewis added 10 points.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
The first is solid-state chlorination, which is being developed by project partner TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of first

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Style

“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

adjective

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