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

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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 The Panthers were flagged 16 times for 165 yards, disrupting an otherwise dominant performance. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 This year, Walker emerged as a more dominant bear unafraid to defend his spot on the hierarchy. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2026 The team discovered Lloyd’s injury once the adrenaline wore off from his dominant performance last week against the Falcons. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026 While Microsoft maintains a dominant position in business software through Office, its flagship work AI product hasn’t taken off. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Construction of the project’s main underground access portal began in February 2026.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
This, Rostov’s main thoroughfare, wasn’t illuminated by the familiar bright glare of its many street lamps, or by light from its windows, now blacked out, but emerged from the darkness all the more gently in a milky cloak of moonlight.

— Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

Through the year 2027, architecture convergence will remain predominant, meaning centralized computing, zonal designs, maturing OTA functionality, shareable and reusable software platforms and stronger hardware/software modularity.

— Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
The exterior is clad in glass and limestone that reflects the predominant materials on Northwestern’s nearby campus.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

Orbit is Flight 14’s primary focus, and only by achieving that milestone can SpaceX move on to clear the rocket’s remaining hurdles.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026
The primary bedroom overlooks the High Line, with an en-suite bathroom that has a separate soaking tub and glass shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

Founded in 1937, the Fashion Scholarship Fund is the fashion industry’s foremost education and workforce development nonprofit.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Making the roster more functional will be the foremost objective for whomever Crane chooses to replace Brown.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

The big difference is space, with the standard room having a footprint of 350 square feet, whereas the suite has an additional 500 square feet to spread out.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
The stage musical based on one of the biggest movies ever made in Connecticut finally makes it here on a national tour and an earlier tour was canceled.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of big

Adjective

But owning leading-edge medical technology and realizing its full value are two different things; often, valuable features go underused, information remains disconnected or tools aren’t fully integrated into everyday work.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
On September 14, Matthew Rhys made Emmys history twice, becoming the first person to win two awards for leading roles during the same ceremony and the first performer to win in all three leading categories.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of leading

Adjective

The Ordinary also staked out its first flagship, of 170 square feet, in Paris’ Marais district after a successful pop-up drew lines outside the door.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Shakira Live From Madrid will be the pop star’s first full concert to air live; she’s been touring for over a year and made a few changes to the setlist to add some World Cup and Zootopia flair.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of first

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dominant

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“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

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