Synonyms of predominant

predominant

adjective

pri-ˈdä-mə-nənt 

as in main

coming before all others in importance

parental involvement has been found to be the predominant factor in a child's success in school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• dominant
• greatest
• primary
• highest
• foremost
• big
• leading
• first
• principal
• key
• central
• chief
• supreme
• paramount
• overriding
• cardinal
• great
• prior
• primal
• premier
• sovereign
• overbearing
• major
• capital
• No. 1
• master
• distinguished
• number one
• preeminent
• top
• overmastering
• outstanding
• important
• notable
• sovran
• noteworthy
• grand
• eminent
• superior
• numero uno
• prestigious
• signal
• arch
• influential
• senior
• illustrious
• stellar
• significant
• high-level
• noble
• star
• unequalled
• mighty
• unparalleled
• famous
• momentous
• incomparable
• renowned
• unequaled
• celebrated
• famed
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• least
• last
• minor
• negligible
• slight
• insignificant
• secondary
• unimportant
• trivial
• subordinate
• inferior
• inconsequential
• inconsiderable
• collateral
• trifling
• subsidiary

Synonym Chooser

How is the word predominant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of predominant are dominant, paramount, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When can dominant be used instead of predominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to predominant, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When could paramount be used to replace predominant?

In some situations, the words paramount and predominant are roughly equivalent. However, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

In what contexts can preponderant take the place of predominant?

The words preponderant and predominant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 predominant

Some live wildlife is confiscated in very large numbers, like corals and clams, which are part of the predominant aquatic invertebrate trade in Southern California. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

The predominant symptoms reported have been diarrhea and vomiting, the health agency said. —Forrest Brown, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

The two main red grapes here are Syrah and Grenache, with Syrah the predominant variety in the north and Grenache holding first place in the south, where it is also blended with other grapes including Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025

For citizenship behavior, relationship quality was the predominant mediator. —Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025