preponderant

Definition of preponderantnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word preponderant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of preponderant are dominant, paramount, and predominant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect.

preponderant evidence in her favor

In what contexts can dominant take the place of preponderant?

In some situations, the words dominant and preponderant are roughly equivalent. However, dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When is it sensible to use paramount instead of preponderant?

The meanings of paramount and preponderant largely overlap; however, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When would predominant be a good substitute for preponderant?

Although the words predominant and preponderant have much in common, predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

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 preponderant Because sugar plantations were so large and enslaved populations were so preponderant, whites feared that any tumult would end with their heads on pikes. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 American grand strategists also need to ask whether the country still benefits from being the preponderant provider of global public goods, such as freedom of navigation. — Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Market value was preponderant in determining the value of the piece of land that the state deemed worthy of expropriating. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 But the preponderant migrants’ motivation has been, and continues to be, to provide a better life for their families. — Bill Gray, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 The relevance and recent growth of regional Mexican music has become undeniable, and today, the genre holds a preponderant place within the industry. — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preponderant
Adjective
  • Georgia turned in one of the most dominant performances of the season in a 42-7 victory at Mississippi on Saturday.
    — Eric Olson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In 2021, Larson won 10 races and was more or less a dominant force.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The first Taibaan film raised THB2 million ($59,000), or THB4 million ($119,000) including marketing, and grossed THB35 million ($1 million), in a market where a typical Thai feature costs THB30 million ($891,000) or more.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Vagabond Haven The interior measures 59 sq m (635 sq ft), spread over two floors, offering significantly more room to move around in than a typical towable tiny house.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • In these regions, the predominant ailments are HIV/AIDS, premature birth and birth trauma, congenital anomalies and injuries.
    — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Another complicating factor is that H1N1 has been the dominant strain this year, compared to the previous few years when the H3N2 strain was the predominant one.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Data collection The survey was conducted using several online access panels to guarantee a representative sample of employees across the region.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 3 Nov. 2026
  • As of Tuesday morning the strike appeared more narrowly focused, with a Teamsters representative naming O’Hare, McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency hotel as the locations where workers were currently on strike.
    — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preponderant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preponderant. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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