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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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 During the opening game of the Bob Chesney era, UCLA’s run game looked dominant during a 45-24 road win over California. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Of course, Badhon’s salon manager, blinded by dominant ideology, would vehemently disagree. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 Alvarado stumbles, Kennedale climbs Alvarado has been a dominant Class 4A power in recent years. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026 However, around 2022, Flock rapidly emerged as a dominant player in the local market, advertising systems as smaller, single purchases that could connect into a nationwide network of other cameras — similar to the business model of Ring cameras. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Rhodes owes Orton another lick after getting punted in the head following their WrestleMania 42 Night 1 main event brawl.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Spectrum’s second flight began with ignition of the rocket’s nine Aquila main engines, burning a mixture of propane and liquid oxygen propellants to generate more than 150,000 pounds (675 kilonewtons) of thrust.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

So the Fed's predominant focus right now should be on prices.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Environmental samples collected from the market, specifically in areas where wildlife sales were predominant, contained SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of predominant

Adjective

The club prefers Taylor to serve as the primary organizational voice to relay its message — and to take the brunt of criticism.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The charcoal floor tiling and island in the corner kitchen feel like something Rick Owens would have dreamed up, as are the primary bathroom’s concrete floors and shower stall.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

Iran’s foremost vulnerability to sanctions and the blockade remains its persistent need for imports, which totaled $17 billion in the first five months of this Iranian calendar year beginning in March.

— Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
Asked about their firm’s primary hurdle in managing the current trade landscape, the vast majority (57 percent) said policy uncertainty, like tariffs changing with little notice, as their foremost challenge.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Founded in 1979, El-Funoun is one of Palestine's leading traditional dance companies, will present a free Dabke dance workshop to close out the festival.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Billed as a workplace comedy, The Varnell Hill Show marks Davidson’s first turn as a bona fide leading man.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of leading

Adjective

Jarren Duran hit his 20th homer, a solo shot on the first pitch from Grayson Rodriguez (4-7), to spark a four-run second inning for Boston, which improved to an MLB-best 34-17 since the All-Star break.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
The first full weekend of college football closed Monday night (eventually), and there was plenty to learn, especially given this was our first glimpse at most 2027 NFL Draft prospects.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of first

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“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

adjective

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