dominion
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for dominion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Supreme power or authority over a territory or group of people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use dominion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Fairly formal or literary word, common in older political and religious texts.
Etymology
From Latin dominium, "ownership, lordship," from dominus, "lord, master" — the same root as "dominate" and "domain."
Full origin of dominion →Frequently asked questions
What does “dominion” mean?
The word “dominion” means supreme power or authority over a territory or group of people. In plain terms, rule or control over a place, or the territory itself that is ruled.
How do you pronounce “dominion”?
“Dominion” is pronounced duh-MIHN-yuhn (/dəˈmɪnjən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dominion” in a sentence?
Here is “dominion” used in a sentence: “The king claimed dominion over all the lands from the coast to the mountains.”
What part of speech is “dominion”?
“Dominion” is a noun.
Where does the word “dominion” come from?
The word “dominion” comes from Latin. From Latin dominium, "ownership, lordship," from dominus, "lord, master" — the same root as "dominate" and "domain.".
Is “dominion” a common word?
“Dominion” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dominion” have?
“Dominion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: supreme power or authority over a territory or group of people.
What is the difference between "dominion" and "domain"?
"Dominion" emphasizes supreme power or authority exercised over a territory or people, while "domain" more neutrally refers to an area of control or a field of activity. "Dominion" carries a stronger sense of rule and sovereignty.
What is the difference between "dominion" and "sovereignty"?
"Sovereignty" refers to the ultimate legal authority or independence of a state, while "dominion" refers more broadly to the exercise of power or control over a territory or group, which can be held short of full sovereignty.
Can "dominion" refer to a place as well as a power?
Yes. "Dominion" can mean both the authority or control itself and the actual territory or country governed by that authority, as in "the king's dominions."