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 predominant suites—all of which have generous outdoor space—are spread across four buildings whose Indonesian names translate to mountain, hill, plateau and valley. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026 Through the year 2027, architecture convergence will remain predominant, meaning centralized computing, zonal designs, maturing OTA functionality, shareable and reusable software platforms and stronger hardware/software modularity. — Rajjie Sarmey, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The exterior is clad in glass and limestone that reflects the predominant materials on Northwestern’s nearby campus. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 So the Fed's predominant focus right now should be on prices. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for predominant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predominant
Adjective
  • The kingdom partially resumed operations at its main airport on Sunday despite damage from earlier attacks, even as the Houthis threatened further strikes.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The project will also improve sewer main capacity by upsizing a parallel line.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The shift signals a turning point for the left, which has historically struggled to counter the far-right’s dominant online presence and savvy digital strategy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • And, like its former parent, higher fuel costs will be a dominant theme throughout the report.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Heat used Larsson, Portis, Hardaway and Nikola Jovic as its four primary reserves for the third straight game to start the season.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • One thing most agree on is that the diminishment of competitive seats leads to greater polarization because legislators are only beholden to primary voters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Astaire is the world's foremost exponent of that particular variety of heart throb!
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The former is one of the world's foremost entertainment capitals, and the latter has a starving fan base and state-of-the-art venue in Climate Pledge Arena.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Prince William is a big guy and, at 6-foot-3, often is the largest person in a room.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Spirit is the largest Halloween specialty chain in North America, and its biggest rival is gone.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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