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
  • Al-Hilal is keen to offload the player, who is training separately from their main squad and not in coach Simoene Inzaghi's plans.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The Nazca Lines, ​enormous drawings and ⁠geometric figures etched into desert plains in the south of the country, are one of Peru’s main tourist destinations, attracting approximately ​100,000 annual visitors.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the dominant narrative embraced financial metrics as the solvent for every problem.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Yet even before acquiring Skubal, the Dodgers believed that, if healthy, their pitching staff might be the strongest of this dominant era.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The company has committed to investing at least $1 billion to construct one roughly 300,000-square-foot facility, but the campus could expand to include up to five primary buildings, officials have said.
    Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Whether Castillo and Gausman can return to form and help their respective clubs get deep into October will be a primary storyline here the rest of the year.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, perhaps the foremost image of a moderate is that of a centrist on a left-right spectrum.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Briggs, the architect, built a reputation for bespoke luxury homes along the Orange County coast and was named among Architectural Digest’s 100 foremost architects in 1991, according to background materials from the listing team.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the afternoon, book a spot at one of Copenhagen’s many hot tub experiences; some favorites include Hottub Copenhagen and CopenHot, the biggest outdoor spa in Denmark.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Canales had prepped the crowd beforehand that this was going to happen, so Asher’s appearance drew the biggest cheer of the evening.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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