prevail

verb pre·vail \ pri-ˈvāl \

Definition of prevail

intransitive verb

1 :to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority :triumph

2 :to be or become effective or effectual

3 :to use persuasion successfully

prevailed on him to sing

4 :to be frequent :predominate

the west winds that prevail in the mountains

5 :to be or continue in use or fashion :persist

a custom that still prevails

See prevail defined for English-language learners

See prevail defined for kids

Examples of prevail in a Sentence

Mutual respect prevails among students and teachers here.
The house was built in the style that prevailed in the 1980s.
The law still prevails in some states.

Recent Examples of prevail from the Web

The fourth game was close throughout, but the Cougars finally prevailed.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "WSU volleyball improves to 2-0," 28 Aug. 2017
Much of the pro-Trump media's fury this week has been aimed at a different general, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who prevailed on the president not to withdraw from Afghanistan.

— callum borchers, Washington Post, "John Kelly, the pro-Trump media could be coming for you next," 25 Aug. 2017
The senior cornerback returned the opening kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown as the host Red Devils prevailed 27-13 over Crown Point in the season opener.

— mike hutton, Post-Tribune, "Jaeger Gill returns opening kickoff for TD as Lowell slips past Crown Point," 18 Aug. 2017
What to Watch: The teams have met for the past two years, with Scott winning 8-7 in 2015 and NewCath prevailing 47-21 last year.

— james weber, Cincinnati.com, "What to watch for in Week 0 Kentucky HS football," 17 Aug. 2017
Indeed, the civility that prevailed through the week's hearings was entirely remarkable.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Why the Keystone Battle, and Others Like It, Will Never End," 10 Aug. 2017
Lately a battle has begun brewing between the upstart influencers and those who exert influence of the more durable kind, and early signs hint that old-style influence will prevail.

— liesl schillinger, Town & Country, "We Are Living In The Age of Influence," 7 Aug. 2017
California’s state government has so far prevailed in court.

— The Economist, "Paris-on-seaCalifornia pushes on with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," 20 July 2017
Surprisingly, the insurance was able to reduce infectious disease mortality in the absence of effective medication for many of the prevailing infectious diseases.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "Bismarck Tried to End Socialism’s Grip—By Offering Government Healthcare," 15 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prevail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prevail

Middle English, from Latin praevalēre, from prae- pre- + valēre to be strong — more at wield

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First Known Use: 14th century

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prevail Synonyms

Synonyms

conquer, win, triumph

Antonyms

lose

Related Words

overcome, sweep; squeak, squeeze; contend, vie; succeed; breeze, romp

Near Antonyms

collapse, fail, flop, fold, wash out; flounder, struggle; decline, slip, slump, wane

PREVAIL Defined for English Language Learners

prevail

verb

Definition of prevail for English Language Learners

: to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest
: to be usual, common, or popular
: to be or continue to be in use

PREVAIL Defined for Kids

prevail

verb pre·vail \ pri-ˈvāl \

Definition of prevail for Students

prevailed; prevailing

1 :to succeed in convincing

Students prevailed upon the teacher to extend recess.

2 :to be or become usual, common, or widespread

West winds prevail in that region.

3 :to win against opposition

Good will prevail over evil.

Law Dictionary

prevail

intransitive verb pre·vail \ pri-ˈvāl \

legal Definition of prevail

1 :to obtain substantially the relief or action sought in a lawsuit

2 :to be frequent or predominant

the prevailing rate

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PREVAIL Defined for English Language Learners

prevail

Definition of prevail for English Language Learners

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