prevalent

adjective

prev·​a·​lent ˈpre-və-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
ˈprev-lənt
1
: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
2
: being in ascendancy : dominant
3
archaic : powerful
prevalent noun
prevalently adverb

Examples of prevalent in a Sentence

Sweden is known as a nation ridden by suicide and alcoholism, but those problems are no more prevalent here than in most European countries. John Harris, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2002
Teams seem to him better coached, players more skilled, the strategy even more defensive, the opportunities less prevalent, the game less ripe. Alec Wilkinson, ESPN, 16 Apr. 2001
So prevalent were grave robberies that the pharaohs' loyal retainers often spirited away their masters' remains for reinterment in secret graves. Paul Martin, National Geographic Traveler, March 1999
Throughout the Mediterranean culture, which was the matrix of our own, the tree was a prevalent embodiment of the Mother Goddess;  … Francis DuPlessix Gray, UTNE Reader, November/December 1987
a custom that was once prevalent here Those teaching methods are still prevalent at some schools. a fashion that is prevalent among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drought Severe to exceptional drought conditions were prevalent for much of south-central Texas when the downpours came, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. ABC News, 7 July 2025 The following themes will be prevalent around its peak: our domestic lives, heritage, ancestors, past and home. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 5 July 2025 The most prevalent rumor had the Kings engaged in discussions with the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors regarding a three-team sign-and-trade deal that would bring Kuminga to Sacramento along with Dennis Schroder. Jason Anderson july 5, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025 Why are Starbucks employees protesting? Walk-outs have taken place at roughly 100 stores nationwide, according to Starbucks Workers United, the company's union group, arguing that the new policy is worsening an already prevalent understaffing crisis. Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prevalent

Word History

Etymology

Latin praevalent-, praevalens very powerful, from present participle of praevalēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prevalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalent. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

prevalent

adjective
prev·​a·​lent ˈprev(-ə)-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalent

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