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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
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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
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General laws might govern these actions, but at the individual level, chance prevailed.
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The World Series will start at the home of the pennant winner with the best record, not the league that prevails in the All-Star Game.
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That approach prevailed in the final budget released Tuesday.
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To date, the leagues and the Justice Department have prevailed in the litigation.
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So far, GOP candidates have prevailed in special elections to fill House seats previously held by Republicans Trump appointed to government posts.
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Byron led after a restart with two laps remaining, but Hamlin pressured him the rest of the way, and the Cup Series veteran eventually prevailed by 0.012 seconds in his No.
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To lead the combined operations of CenturyLink and Level 3, activist investor Keith Meister's hedge fund, Corvex Management LLP, had sought a telecom veteran, prevailing with Storey's selection.
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So long as there is bipartisan agreement, regular order can still prevail.
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
PREVAIL Defined for English Language Learners
prevail
playDefinition of prevail for English Language Learners
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: to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest
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: to be usual, common, or popular
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: to be or continue to be in use
PREVAIL Defined for Kids
prevail
playDefinition 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
playLegal Definition of prevail
1 : to obtain substantially the relief or action sought in a lawsuit
2 : to be frequent or predominant the prevailing rate
Learn More about prevail
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See words that rhyme with prevail Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prevail Spanish Central: Translation of prevail Nglish: Translation of prevail for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prevail for Arabic speakers
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