preponderant

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 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 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 With preponderant influence in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, Iran is the regional power that has best been able to take advantage of the crisis in the Middle East. F. Gregory Gause Iii, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022 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 Under federal law, race cannot be a preponderant motive in drawing a district, wrote Dr. Cervas, a fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. Jimmy Vielkind and Eliza Collins, WSJ, 21 May 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preponderant
Adjective
  • Crisler, amid a dominant 10-0 season that finished No. 2 behind Notre Dame in the Associated Press poll, retired at the end of it to focus solely on being Michigan’s AD.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Luke Combs, one of the country stars whose appeal has turned out to translate the most in parts of the world where the genre is not as dominant, will be getting the ACM International Award for his furthering of country music overseas.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The size of a typical studio apartment is 500 to 600 square feet.
    Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 14 July 2025
  • Over a 40-year career, the typical Black woman will lose approximately $1 million compared to her white male co-workers.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • But this is not the predominant architectural style found in all of Cincinnati's neighborhoods, explained Cincinnati Preservation Association executive director Beth Johnson, a working group member.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • There's near universal agreement that pay is a predominant factor in attracting and retaining teachers ― either to other schools or to other professions.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 1892 he was elected representative from the 8th Ward to the Austin City Council.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The committee's dysfunction led to a lack of support for the Republican candidate in a key state representative race, which the Democrat won by a narrow margin.
    Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preponderant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preponderant. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on preponderant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!