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

The Caribbean Princess completed an 11-day voyage that had departed on April 28 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, during which passengers and crew suffered from an outbreak of the highly contagious virus, which has predominant symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2026

But Homan’s approach is the predominant one right now, and the department has been quietly reversing changes that Miller ordered. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026

Distractions help keep Las Vegas’ predominant industry in business. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 9 May 2026

The predominant symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea, and the agency cited norovirus as the cause. —Nollaig O'Connor, NBC news, 9 May 2026