DOMINANT Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dominant' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dominant are paramount , predominant , and preponderant . While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling. // a dominant social class

Q: When is 'paramount' a more appropriate choice than 'dominant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dominant , paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction. // unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

Q: When is it sensible to use 'predominant' instead of 'dominant'?

The words predominant and dominant can be used in similar contexts, but predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence. // a predominant emotion

Q: When would 'preponderant' be a good substitute for 'dominant'?

While the synonyms preponderant and dominant are close in meaning, preponderant applies to an element or factor that outweighs all others in influence or effect. // preponderant evidence in her favor

dominant

adjective

ˈdä-mə-nənt

Definition of dominant

as in main

coming before all others in importance the dominant authority on the English language

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

Some common synonyms of dominant are paramount, predominant, and preponderant. While all these words mean "superior to all others in influence or importance," dominant applies to something that is uppermost because ruling or controlling.

a dominant social class

When is paramount a more appropriate choice than dominant?

While in some cases nearly identical to dominant, paramount implies supremacy in importance, rank, or jurisdiction.

unemployment was the paramount issue in the campaign

When is it sensible to use predominant instead of dominant?

The words predominant and dominant can be used in similar contexts, but predominant applies to something that exerts, often temporarily, the most marked influence.

a predominant emotion

When would preponderant be a good substitute for dominant?

While the synonyms preponderant and dominant are close in meaning, 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 dominant When all technology stops working on the futuristic planet of Prysmos, magic becomes the dominant force. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026 One dominant idea holds that plate tectonics, much like today’s, was already running in the Hadean, with continental crust forming above subduction zones—areas where tectonic plates collide. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub. — Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 Japan led 17-10 at halftime and kept Italy scoreless in the second half, the defense making 12 dominant tackles and giving the Italians little room to breathe. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dominant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dominant

Adjective

Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.

— Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Meta, Oracle, Microsoft and other big tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of employees, while simultaneously investing billions in AI data centers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Also in attendance to celebrate the couple on their big day was Dunham's ex and Swift's longtime collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who was seen leaving for the event with his sister, Rachel Antonoff.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of big

Adjective

The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of first

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“Dominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dominant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dominant

adjective

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