pervasive

adjective

per·​va·​sive pər-ˈvā-siv How to pronounce pervasive (audio)
-ziv
: existing in or spreading through every part of something
a pervasive odor
pervasively adverb
pervasiveness noun

Did you know?

Is pervasive always negative?

Pervasive is most often used of things we don't really want spreading throughout all parts of something:

a pervasive problem

a stench that is pervasive

pervasive corruption

But pervasive can occasionally also be found in neutral and even positive contexts:

a pervasive rhythm

a pervasive sense of calm

The meaning isn't neutral when the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) uses it. Beginning in the early 1990s, the MPAA started giving the R rating to movies with "pervasive language." Most movies have language throughout, of course. The MPAA is using the phrase "pervasive language" to refer to the frequent use of a particular kind of language: profanity.

Examples of pervasive in a Sentence

A resuscitated orthodoxy, so pervasive as to be nearly invisible, rules the land. Mark Slouka, Harper's, November 2004
The manic money-grab excitement of the Nineties had never been altogether free of our pervasive American guilt. Norman Mailer, New York Review of Books, 27 Mar. 2002
Race was never articulated as an issue at the trial, even though its presence was pervasive. Howard Chua-Eoan, Time, 6 Mar. 2000
the pervasive nature of the problem television's pervasive influence on our culture
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.
View 3 Images View gallery - 3 images Perhaps one of the most pervasive longstanding technology conspiracy theories is that your smartphone is constantly listening in on your private conversations. New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025 The infrastructure for pervasive surveillance is in place. Nicole M. Bennett, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2025 Thao was recalled from office in November amid deep voter frustrations with crime, homelessness and the pervasive sense that Oakland is in crisis. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025 Here The Oklahoma City Bombing still has a pervasive effect to this day, shocking locals and state officials. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pervasive

Word History

Etymology

see pervade

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pervasive was in 1736

Cite this Entry

“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pervasive. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pervasive

adjective
per·​va·​sive pər-ˈvā-siv How to pronounce pervasive (audio)
-ziv
: spread throughout so thoroughly as to be seen or felt everywhere
the pervasive influence of television
the pervasive dampness of the mines
pervasively adverb
pervasiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on pervasive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!