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 Hightower family is closely connected with the worship of the Seven, the predominant faith of Westeros, and Ormund seems to be a model believer. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026 Indigenous tzalam wood, leather, and polished lava stone are the predominant materials; earth tones and clean lines are the prevailing aesthetics. Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 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 See All Example Sentences for predominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant
Adjective
  • In the Brazilian city of Cuiabá, the mayor, Abílio Brunini, prohibited one such championship from taking place in the city’s main public space.
    Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Next, workers will install new cables, bolted into the five main branches, to stabilize the tree before removing the old supports.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Yankees then went on to become baseball’s most dominant franchise - winning 27 World Series titles - while the Red Sox would not taste success for the rest of the 20th century.
    Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There may even be scenario B, C or D which today appears negligible and which becomes dominant because something happens that our initial model could not anticipate.
    Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The primary comes as Trump attempts to brush off a string of primary losses, with his 10th endorsed candidate losing in last week’s elections.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The primary hurdle moving forward is integrating efficient extraction technologies into existing treatment infrastructure to yield materials that meet industrial standards.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The promise of Roman Imaging huge amounts of the universe in one go is of foremost importance because things in the universe happen simultaneously.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Alanna Rizzo is one of the foremost authorities on Major League Baseball.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Gone was the terror of wondering if the piece that was about to air was going to get big enough laughs from the live audience.
    Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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