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

Still, the predominant image of Levi Strauss heir Lurie is that of an earnest problem solver blending private sector agility with an ability to experiment with public policy. —Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026

Rail transport remained the predominant mode of travel in 1920s America. —Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

Republicans argued race was a predominant factor in drawing the district boundaries, in violation of the 14th and 15th Amendments. —Nidia Cavazos, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

Officials said that the predominant symptoms that were reported included vomiting and diarrhea. —Cbs News Miami updated January 13, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026