1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
a custom that still prevails in many areas of Africa
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prevail
Foreign policy hasn’t dominated a Canadian election this much since 1988, when free trade with the United States was the prevailing issue.
—
Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
Foreign policy hasn’t dominated Canadian elections this much since 1988, when free trade with the United States was the prevailing issue.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Prior to 1970, the prevailing belief was that individuals with disabilities should be confined to institutions, rather than be supported to live full, inclusive lives within their communities.
—Lisa Seminara, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025
The kind of sexuality that doesn’t easily square with beliefs that women need to be faultless and every corner of our lives must adhere to prevailing (and individualistic) liberal-feminist beliefs.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
Foreign policy hasn’t dominated Canadian elections this much since 1988, when free trade with the United States was the prevailing issue.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article Prior to 1970, the prevailing belief was that individuals with disabilities should be confined to institutions, rather than be supported to live full, inclusive lives within their communities.
—Lisa Seminara, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2025
The kind of sexuality that doesn’t easily square with beliefs that women need to be faultless and every corner of our lives must adhere to prevailing (and individualistic) liberal-feminist beliefs.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
-
The jackpot was the largest prize ever won in the history of Kentucky.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
The lefty, who started against the Rays on Friday night, recorded a 1.19 ERA over his first six starts with the Yankees, who won all of those games.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
In addition to his wife and children he is survived by a grandchild.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2025
-
These insights led Kiew to develop Change Fluency™, a concept that describes a future-ready capability to not just survive change but to skillfully navigate it, adapt to it, and lead others through it.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
The caregiver partner can feel a consistent stress to keep it together during that time, which can last decades.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
-
You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share