as in widespread
existing in every part of something; spreading to all parts of something
A pervasive smell filled the room. the pervasive nature of the problem
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 pervasive
But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.
—
ABC News, 20 May 2026
Raising small amounts so far So Russia entered the brave new world of pervasive space advertising a few months ago.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Ted Turner made television news a pervasive presence.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 19 May 2026
In a recent interview with People at the 2026 Disney Upfront, Hough and Tonioli reflected on the pervasive doubt about whether the format would work.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
ABC News, 20 May 2026
Raising small amounts so far So Russia entered the brave new world of pervasive space advertising a few months ago.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026
Ted Turner made television news a pervasive presence.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 19 May 2026
In a recent interview with People at the 2026 Disney Upfront, Hough and Tonioli reflected on the pervasive doubt about whether the format would work.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
In fact, the coverage for the start of Davis’s second marathon was far more widespread than the first and included an article on Mark Samuels, the artist who painted the second Winkie billboard.—
Jonathan Odden,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
That coming Fall of 2020, universal masking in schools and daycares was recommended by the CDC and widespread mandates were enacted at the state, district and county levels for children as young as two.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
That's our mission now is to help other DIYers learn how to do more on their project, from general contracting all the way through some of the actual construction elements.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
-
There are chances to take a deep dive into various history or literature classes beyond general education requirements, or for students to discover their passions or potential career pathways, Ellman said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
This happens especially in the hot summer months, when algae blooms are prevalent.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
The most worrisome and perhaps most prevalent revolves around his being two months shy of his 34th birthday.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Shange describes the Bacchanal as familiar and minimal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
-
Sources familiar with the situation, granted anonymity like all those consulted for this article to protect relationships, acknowledged there was consternation at the top at his behaviour and wondered whether Glasner’s position was becoming untenable.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
