Dominance — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈdä-mə-nən(t)s/ dom·i·nance

Meaning & Definition of Dominance

Dominance (noun)

  1. the fact or state of being dominant
  2. controlling, prevailing, or powerful position especially in a social hierarchy
  3. the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression of the other in the heterozygous condition

Dominance (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. controlling power or influence over others

    "although Napoléon had achieved dominance over the European continent, Great Britain still ruled the waves"

    similar: ascendance, ascendancy, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, reign, sovereignty, supremacy
    related: primacy, superiority, lordship, scepter, arm, authority, choke hold, clutch, command, control, grip, hold, mastery, sway, takeover, direction, jurisdiction, management, clout, might, pull, weight, eminence, importance, moment, prerogative, privilege, right
    near: helplessness, weakness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness

  2. the fact or state of being above others in rank or importance

    "the university was recognized for its dominance in the field of ancient Greek history"

    similar: distinction, eminence, noteworthiness, paramountcy, preeminence, preponderance, preponderancy, prepotency, prestigiousness, primacy, superiority, supremacy, transcendence
    related: celebrity, fame, famousness, glory, honor, kudos, renown, reputation, repute, megastardom, stardom, superstardom, greatness, illustriousness, nobleness, notableness, ascendance, ascendancy, authority, domination, dominion, influence, power, prestige, weight, infamy, notoriety
    near: insignificance, inferiority, mediocrity, obscureness, obscurity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dominance

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dominance:

ascendance, ascendancy, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence, reign, sovereignty, supremacy, distinction, eminence, noteworthiness, paramountcy, preponderance, preponderancy, prepotency, prestigiousness, primacy, superiority, transcendence

Related Words for Dominance

lordship, scepter, arm, authority, choke hold, clutch, command, control, grip, hold, mastery, sway, takeover, direction, jurisdiction, management, clout, might, pull, weight, importance, moment, prerogative, privilege, right, celebrity, fame, famousness, glory, honor

Near Antonyms of Dominance

helplessness, weakness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness, insignificance, inferiority, mediocrity, obscureness, obscurity

Origin & Etymology of Dominance

First known use: 1819

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dominance

Words & Phrases Containing Dominance

apical dominance, law of dominance

Frequently Asked Questions about Dominance

What does "Dominance" mean?

"Dominance" means the fact or state of being dominant. As a noun, it is defined as: the fact or state of being dominant. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dominance"?

Other words for "Dominance" include ascendance, ascendancy, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance and predominancy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dominance" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dominance"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dominance". Common alternatives include ascendance, ascendancy, domination, dominion, hegemony, imperium, predominance, predominancy, preeminence and reign.

How do you use "Dominance" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dominance" in a sentence: "although Napoléon had achieved dominance over the European continent, Great Britain still ruled the waves"; "the university was recognized for its dominance in the field of ancient Greek history".

Is "Dominance" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dominance" is a noun.

Is "Dominance" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Dominance" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Dominance"?

"Dominance" is pronounced /ˈdä-mə-nən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as dom·i·nance.

What is the origin of the word "Dominance"?

First known use: 1819.