prevalent

adjective

prev·​a·​lent ˈpre-və-lənt 

ˈprev-lənt

1

a

: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread

prevalent beliefs

Since ageism is so prevalent in society at large, it is hardly surprising to find ageism in popular culture …

—Arnold Arluke

b

: existing or occurring frequently : common

The third most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide is that of vitamin A.

—Sue Rodwell Williams

2

: being in ascendancy : dominant

The prevalent view of Eastern Europe in the West is wrong.

—John Lukacs

3

archaic : powerful

prevalent noun

prevalently adverb

Synonyms of prevalent

• conventional
• usual
• prevailing
• current
• customary
• popular

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

Whereas traditional web traffic used to make or break an online business, AI agents that scour the corners of the internet for the best deals are becoming more prevalent. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Places like New York, where data centers are less prevalent, didn't experience significant changes in wholesale energy prices, according to the study. — News Editor, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

There may be no bias as prevalent in politics and rhetoric as recency bias, the inclination to give disproportionate emphasis to recent events and statements rather than historical overview and contemplation. — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026

Extreme heat exacerbates underlying health conditions that tend to be more prevalent in communities of color where rates of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease are higher than the Chicago average, according to city data. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

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

Rhymes for prevalent

• benevolent
• malevolent

Kids Definition

prevalent

adjective

prev·​a·​lent ˈprev(-ə)-lənt 

: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area

prevalently adverb