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 predominant symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025 In mixed turf, mow to the height for the predominant species in your lawn. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025 The two quickly built a rapport, and Preservation began sending ‘Nandez beats, eventually inviting him to New Orleans to hang out while devising the project’s sonic core and predominant themes. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 The outbreak has been caused by norovirus and the predominant symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for predominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant
Adjective
  • As for Sundance’s main slate of world premiere films, the festival is still heads down screening some half a dozen movies a day ahead of lineup announcements later this fall.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The verdict of the Specialized Criminal Court in the city of Banska Bystrica closes a trial that began in July and whose main question was whether Cintula, who admitted shooting Fico, was guilty of terrorism or less serious crimes of murder or attack.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Erling Haaland famously scored nine goals in a single game against Honduras back in 2019, while the likes of Paul Pogba, Lionel Messi, and even Diego Maradona have taken home Golden Ball awards for dominant performances at the competition.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • As the dominant content provider in live television, when the league strikes a new agreement or makes a change to its programming, it will be felt across the media ecosystem.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Two guest bedrooms can be found downstairs, while four more upstairs bedrooms include a secluded primary retreat that comes with a fireplace, a dressing room, and dual baths.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • This corner room offered the perfect view to keep watch over Main Street and the primary north-south international highway.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Goodall was seen as the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees after spending decades studying them in the wild in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The 2019 Nationals aren’t even the foremost road warriors of the last few years.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bad Bunny represents none of these values; his drag performances and style are the opposite of what families expect on football's biggest stage.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Josephine was a big fan of the final look after trying on the costume.
    Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The epic leading lady wardrobe concluded with her two musical performances of the night.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Just look at the success (and all-star cast) of Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club, which itself was adapted from one of the subgenre's leading literary titles.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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