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
  • Speaking to voters Of course, there are skeptics everywhere in this arena, not least concerning the two main protagonists.
    Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This main event headlines the first PBC world title fight of the new DAZN era, also broadcast on Prime Video.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Apple’s market dominance is built around September; moving away from tradition would upset the ecosystem supporting the launch and risk weakening the iPhone’s dominant position.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There have been plenty of dominant teams in the 150-plus-year history of college football, but few have left a bigger mark on the sport than the Miami Hurricanes did during the 1980s.
    Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Voters across Connecticut are heading to the polls on Tuesday to vote for key primary races including governor and House seats.
    ABC NEWS, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Learn more about voter resources and details about key races in the WCCO 2026 primary election guide.
    Esme Murphy, CBS News, 11 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
  • Do not let intensity make the conversation bigger than the actual issue.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The family hides from the beast, which looks like a mix between a Cthulhu, an octopus and a big, beefy guy.
    William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Predominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predominant. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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