prevails; prevailed; prevailing
formal
1
: to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest
Our soccer team prevailed [=won] despite the bad weather.
—often + against or overHe prevailed against/over last year's champion.
She prevailed in a lawsuit against her doctor. [=she won a lawsuit against her doctor]
—often used figurativelyJustice will prevail.
Truth will always prevail [=triumph] over lies.
2
: to be usual, common, or popular
Mutual respect prevails among students and teachers here.
The house was built in the style that prevailed in the 1980s.
3
: to be or continue to be in use
The tribal custom still prevails [=persists] after hundreds of years.
The law still prevails in some states.
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/prevail. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.
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