Dominant — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈdä-mə-nənt/ dom·i·nant

Meaning & Definition of Dominant

Dominant (adjective)

  1. commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others
  2. very important, powerful, or successful
  3. overlooking and commanding from a superior position

Dominant (noun)

  1. the fifth tone of a major or minor scale
  2. a character or factor that exerts genetic dominance
  3. any of one or more kinds of organism (such as a species) in an ecological community that exerts a controlling influence on the environment and thereby largely determines what other kinds of organisms are present

Dominant (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in importance

    "the dominant authority on the English language"

    similar: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme
    related: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned
    opposite: last, least
    near: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dominant

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dominant:

arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, first, foremost, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one, numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign, supreme

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dominant

Words with the opposite meaning of Dominant:

last, least

Related Words for Dominant

distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior, high-level, senior, top, important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant, incomparable, matchless, unequaled, unparalleled, unsurpassed, celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms of Dominant

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant, collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

Word Forms of Dominant

Derived words: dominantly (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Dominant

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin dominant-, dominans, present participle of dominari see dominate

First known use: circa 1532

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dominant

Frequently Asked Questions about Dominant

What does "Dominant" mean?

"Dominant" means commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: commanding, controlling, or prevailing over all others.

What is another word for "Dominant"?

Other words for "Dominant" include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, first and foremost. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dominant" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dominant"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dominant". Common alternatives include arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, first, foremost, grand and great.

What is the opposite of "Dominant"?

Antonyms of "Dominant" include last and least. Near antonyms include inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant and minor.

How do you use "Dominant" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dominant" in a sentence: "the dominant authority on the English language".

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

"Dominant" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

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

As a B2-level word, "Dominant" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Dominant"?

"Dominant" is pronounced /ˈdä-mə-nənt/ and divided into syllables as dom·i·nant.