predominant

[pri-dom-uh-nuhnt]

adjective

1. having ascendancy, power, authority, or influence over others; preeminent.

2. preponderant; prominent.

   a predominant trait; the predominant color of a painting.

predominant

/ prɪˈdɒmɪnənt /

adjective

1. having superiority in power, influence, etc, over others

2. prevailing; prominent

Other Word Forms

• predominance noun
• predominantly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of predominant¹

1570–80; < Medieval Latin praedominant- (stem of praedomināns ), present participle of praedominārī to predominate. See pre-, dominant

Synonym Study

See dominant.

Example Sentences

Scientists said "predominant threats" were declining fish stocks, noise pollution, and entanglements with lost fishing gear.

From BBC

The Stratus variant, first detected in Asia in January, reached the U.S. in March and became the predominant strain by the end of June.

From Los Angeles Times

Over this time period, the CDC has identified three waves of predominant causes: the first involving prescription opioids, the second heroin and most recently synthetic opioids.

From BBC

The same goes for the other predominant question about the baby: was it real, or CGI?

From Salon

The predominant emotions callers reported included “fear, grief, and a real sense of uncertainty.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dominant 
• dominating www.thesaurus.com
• main 
• potent 
• prevailing 
• prevalent 
• weighty