dominate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to tower above; overlook; overshadow.
A tall pine dominated the landscape.
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to predominate, permeate, or characterize.
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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.
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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)
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to rule; exercise control; predominate.
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to occupy a commanding or elevated position.
verb
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to control, rule, or govern (someone or something)
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to tower above (surroundings, etc); overlook
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(tr; usually passive) to predominate in (something or someone)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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dominativeadjective
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dominatinglyadverb
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redominateverb
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dominatornoun
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dominatingadjective
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well-dominatedadjective
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overdominateverb (used with object)
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undominatedadjective
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nondominatingadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has dominatedperfect 3rd person singular
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have dominatedperfect
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has been dominatingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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are dominatingprogressive
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am dominatingprogressive 1st person singular
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is dominatingprogressive 3rd person singular
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have been dominatingperfect progressive
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dominatessingular 3rd person
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dominatingparticiple
Past
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had dominatedperfect
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were dominatingprogressive plural
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dominatedparticiple
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had been dominatingperfect progressive
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was dominatingprogressive singular
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dominatedsimple
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."
Vocabulary lists containing dominate
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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.
One incredible moment off a U.S. foot could change all that, making sports bars explode and then dominate TikTok.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
"However, what we find is a topologically interesting band structure with numerous crossings and nodes that dominate its low-energy electronic behavior. This completely changes our current understanding of the fundamental properties of this elemental material."
From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026
His desire to dominate the proceedings, whether by attending events or firing off Truth Social posts, might foster resentment among America's two neighbours and, ultimately, cause damage to North American relations in the longer term.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Meta has made many advancements in AI technology in an effort to catch up to competitors such as Google, Anthropic and OpenAI, whose AI models currently dominate the field.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
I cut out all distractions from my life so I could focus only on fencing, and yet alarming current events continued to dominate the headlines, making it very hard to stay focused.
From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
