WordValedominate
to have control over
In more detail
1. (verb) to have the most power or control over someone or something
2. (verb) to be the most noticeable or important thing in a place or situation
3. (verb) to win easily or play much better than opponents in a game or competition
Examples
- The largest company dominates the market in that industry.
- The tall mountain dominates the landscape of the valley.
- Our team dominated the first half of the match and won 5–0.
How to use dominate
Dominate carries a sense of clear superiority and control, often with competitive or hierarchical overtones. It is used in business contexts (market dominance), sports (one team dominates another), interpersonal dynamics (someone dominates a conversation), and geography/politics (a power dominates a region). Unlike rule, it does not necessarily imply formal authority, and it emphasizes relative strength or visibility rather than gentle influence.
Common phrases
- dominate the market
- dominate the conversation
- dominate the field
- dominate the game
- dominate a region
- dominate one's opponents
Synonyms
control · rule · command · overshadow · prevail
Opposites
submit · yield · lose
Word family
dominance · dominant · dominantly · dominating · dominator
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse dominate with dominant—the adjective refers to a state or quality (a dominant species), while the verb dominate refers to the action of gaining control or superiority (tigers dominate the savanna).
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