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
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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March: Book One
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Ghost
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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.
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
Today, it is regarded as an investment vehicle offering exposure to Bitcoin as the crypto continues to dominate its balance sheet.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
One of the greatest challenges for Yapp will be to avoid the tour looking and feeling like an England tour, with the world champion Red Roses continuing to dominate the international stage.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
It is the pre-eminent symbol of Chinese automakers’ push to dominate the top end of the car market, after they seized the global lead in affordable electric vehicles.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
And now, Joe Louis was about to dominate, on the biggest stage in the sport.
From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz
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.
