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

More Michael Reaves/Getty Images Chicago looked dominant through the first three quarters, holding a 17-6 lead after McCarthy threw a 74-yard pick-6 to Bears defensive back Nahshon Wright. —Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

Crochet looked every bit his usual dominant self, shutting down the Athletics to help lead the Red Sox to a 7-0 win. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025

These emerging movements, driven largely by youth culture, reflect a stark departure from the dominant quiet luxury and size inclusive mindsets of just a few years ago. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025

However, he’s graded out as a below-average defender at first base with below-average range, though his dominant bat makes up for it. —Jim Bowden, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025