verb
dominate
To have the greatest power, influence, or presence.
A few large companies dominate the market for smartphones.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to rule or act as master. Dominate extends that mastery to having the strongest influence, presence, or control in a situation.
More examples
- The old clock tower dominates the town's skyline.
- She dominated the conversation throughout dinner.
- Concerns about housing costs are dominating the election debate.
Forms
dominate · dominates · dominated · dominating
dominant adjective — Having the greatest power, influence, or presence.
dominance noun — The state of having the greatest influence.
Similar words
- control
- Emphasizes directing what happens rather than having the strongest presence.
- predominate
- Emphasizes being most common or numerous rather than exercising power.
- overshadow
- Emphasizes making others seem less important or noticeable.