Definition of predominantnext

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

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 predominant The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and adobe block construction. Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 25 June 2026 Black holes are regions in space in which gravity has become such a predominant force that nothing, not even light, can escape. Mary Ogborn, The Conversation, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for predominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant
Adjective
  • But Gold Phoenix was inside both his main rivals and might have saved just enough ground to make the difference.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • Kevin Knight, Ospreay Attacks The Death Riders Kevin Knight received little-to-no reaction for his entrance, but that’s to be expected as a young star in his first pay-per-view main event.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Carolina Panthers’ offense bounced back Sunday following a defensively dominant start to training camp.
    Mike Kaye July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • Morgan Stanley analysts suggest a $100 share price would imply zero value for SpaceX's AI division, which, along with the dominant space launch segment, currently operates at a significant loss.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • If diversification were really the primary reason to own private equity, more capital would already be there for that reason alone.
    Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The address of the shooting is listed as the primary residence for Elijah Bieniemy, according to online property records.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • The executions have drawn attention to the ageing death-row population in the US, as well as Florida’s status as the foremost death penalty state.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 16 July 2026
  • Among the most significant was the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s foremost textile and fashion sourcing platforms.
    Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • About the swamp A big, big place The Okefenokee Swamp is vast, 438,000-440,000 acres spanning about 700 square miles mostly in Charlton, Ware and Clinch counties in Georgia‘s southeast corner.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • That means one in four rooms were available during the world’s biggest sporting event.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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