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
- dominating adjective
- dominatingly adverb
- dominative adjective
- dominator noun
- nondominating adjective
- overdominate verb (used with object)
- redominate verb
- undominated adjective
- well-dominated adjective
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
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.
His strategic motives aren’t that different: to deny a hostile power the means to dominate the region, and to protect Israel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Even with these advanced features, chelicerates did not immediately dominate marine ecosystems.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
And he has not been afraid to take on the pro-Orban new outlets that dominate Hungary's media landscape.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
The defense industry is being disrupted by privately held unicorns that want to morph into a new set of “neo-primes,” aiming to dominate in a world where autonomous systems are critical.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
He let the warmth dominate him for a moment.
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
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.
