Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

dominant

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of dominant

coming before all others in importance

  • the dominant authority on the English language
Synonyms of dominant

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
Words Related to dominant

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior

high-level, senior, top

important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant

incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed

celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
Near Antonyms of dominant

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant

collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary
Antonyms of dominant

last, least

Synonym Discussion of dominant

dominant, predominant, paramount, preponderant mean superior to all others in influence or importance. dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.
    • a dominant social class
predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.
    • a predominant emotion
paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.
    • unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign
preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.
    • preponderant evidence in her favor

Learn More about dominant

  1. See words that rhyme with dominant Dictionary: Definition of dominant Medical Dictionary: Definition of dominant Spanish Central: Translation of dominant Nglish: Translation of dominant for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of dominant for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dominant

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up dominant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games