Synonyms

dominate

American

[dom-uh-neyt] / ˈdɒm əˌneɪt /

verb (used with object)

to rule over; govern; control.
to tower above; overlook; overshadow.

A tall pine dominated the landscape.
to predominate, permeate, or characterize.
Mathematics. (of a series, vector, etc.) to have terms or components greater in absolute value than the corresponding terms or components of a given series, vector, etc.
Linguistics. (of a node in a tree diagram) to be connected with (a subordinate node) either directly by a single downward branch or indirectly by a sequence of downward branches.

verb (used without object)

to rule; exercise control; predominate.
to occupy a commanding or elevated position.

dominate British

/ ˈdɒmɪˌneɪt /

verb

to control, rule, or govern (someone or something)
to tower above (surroundings, etc); overlook
(tr; usually passive) to predominate in (something or someone)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of dominate

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dominātus, past participle of dominārī “to master, control,” from domin(us) “lord, master” + -ārī, infinitive verb suffix

Explanation

If your basketball team is undefeated, you could say that it was able to dominate the competition. To dominate means to be in control or have the power to defeat. Dominate is related to the word domain — which means home. While these words may not seem all that similar, when you are the master of a home or thing, you dominate it. If you get angry, it is wise to not let your feelings dominate you or your actions. Dominate can also mean to be most prominent. If in the woods around your house, oak trees are the most common, you could say that "oak trees dominate the forest."

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience," a concert film for the K-pop boy band Stray Kids filmed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, opened in fourth place at $5.6 million.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

“Just him being able to orchestrate and be Russ. Dominate the ball. Dominate the pace. And play free.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2022

Dominate they did as Rising threw for 254 yards in the first half, Dalton Kincaid had 107 yards receiving and two touchdowns and No. 13 Utah routed Southern Utah 73-7 on Saturday.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 10, 2022

Dominate the domestic scene and achieve regular appearances in the semi-final stages of the Champions League.

From BBC • May 12, 2021

And the fifth way is to be Strong, to Dominate and to Lead.

From On Nothing and Kindred Subjects by Belloc, Hilaire

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023