prevalent
adjective
prev·a·lent
ˈpre-və-lənt 
ˈprev-lənt
1
: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
2
: being in ascendancy : dominant
3
archaic
: powerful
prevalent
noun
prevalently
adverb
Synonyms
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
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
In particular, thyroid, kidney, prostate, and other cancers are expected to be more prevalent in Generation X than Baby Boomers.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 18 July 2024
Here are three graphics that show the reach of international businesses in Kentucky:
How prevalent are foreign business operations in Kentucky?
—Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2024
Dementia is a disease that affects women more than anyone else: In fact, approximately twice as many women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, compared to men.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 12 July 2024
This is something that’s prevalent throughout cultures around the world.
—Amaya McDonald, ARTnews.com, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for prevalent 
Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 18 July 2024
Here are three graphics that show the reach of international businesses in Kentucky:
How prevalent are foreign business operations in Kentucky?
—Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2024
Dementia is a disease that affects women more than anyone else: In fact, approximately twice as many women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, compared to men.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 12 July 2024
This is something that’s prevalent throughout cultures around the world.
—Amaya McDonald, ARTnews.com, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for prevalent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prevalent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prevalent
Cite this Entry
“Prevalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalent. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prevalent
adjective
prev·a·lent
ˈprev(-ə)-lənt
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently
adverb
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