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

The predominant effect that this law will have is to prevent law-abiding citizens from purchasing their preferred firearm. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 1 Aug. 2025

Racial Gerrymandering – sorting voters into districts with a predominant focus on race. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

But steel and concrete became predominant in larger buildings from the late 19th century onward when cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee came into their own. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2025

These are measures that target the entire economy, or a part of it that most of the rest of the economy depends on, such as the financial sector or a predominant export, for example in oil-exporting economies. —Mark Weisbrot, Mercury News, 27 July 2025