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
• master
• number one
• distinguished
• preeminent
• top
• overmastering
• notable
• outstanding
• important
• noteworthy
• grand
• eminent
• superior
• numero uno
• signal
• arch
• prestigious
• influential
• senior
• illustrious
• stellar
• high-level
• significant
• noble
• star
• mighty
• unparalleled
• momentous
• famous
• 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

Residents and security analysts have said Nigeria’s security crisis affects both Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north. —Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025

The predominant strain in the state is influenza A H3, according to the most recent report by the Florida Department of Health. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025

The good news, Byrd said, is that this year’s flu vaccine is formulated to protect against the predominant flu strain — influenza A (H3N2) — that is circulating. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Dec. 2025

What Happens Next Despite the prevalence of city living in 104 countries worldwide, towns remain the predominant type of settlement in several major high-income nations—including the United States, Germany, and Italy—as well as in many African countries, according to the report. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025