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
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Recent Examples of pervasive
Japan has been struggling with a pervasive sense of stagnation and disillusionment born of decades of deflation, wage stagnation, demographic decline and a creeping loss of confidence in the country’s place in the world.
—
Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
The trio, doing the interview from New York, covered such difficult topics of how much fun everyone is having in Italy, how the Olympic spirit is pervasive and, of course, how cuddly the mascots are.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The pervasive use of less lethal tactics, caught on video and ricocheting across social media, began in late spring and summer in California and Oregon, expanded into Chicago in the fall and reached a crescendo in Minneapolis, where officers shot and killed two protesters last month.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The result again is a pervasive nihilism, where the truth of what’s being discussed matters less than the fact that it is being turned into content, the reaction to which will also become content.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Jeff Kingston, Time, 15 Feb. 2026
The trio, doing the interview from New York, covered such difficult topics of how much fun everyone is having in Italy, how the Olympic spirit is pervasive and, of course, how cuddly the mascots are.
—John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
The pervasive use of less lethal tactics, caught on video and ricocheting across social media, began in late spring and summer in California and Oregon, expanded into Chicago in the fall and reached a crescendo in Minneapolis, where officers shot and killed two protesters last month.
—Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The result again is a pervasive nihilism, where the truth of what’s being discussed matters less than the fact that it is being turned into content, the reaction to which will also become content.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
Although our planet’s oxygen levels have fluctuated wildly over the past few hundred million years — since the widespread development of plant and animal life — changes were gradual and oxygen levels were much lower during most of Earth’s history.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The Justice Department concluded at the time there simply was not evidence of widespread fraud that would merit a challenge to the election.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The two Spinosaurus species, which were contemporaneous, shared the same general body plan including long dorsal spines forming the sail-like structure and a skull adapted for hunting fish.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In person, Melling is naturally curious, freely solicitous of my opinions about the film or book recommendations in general.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Upstairs, 9-foot ceilings are prevalent.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
15 Feb. 2026
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These elements—described as financial nihilism—are especially prevalent in younger generations, who feel that the path of predictable progress (homeownership, access to a thriving job market out of college) no longer exists.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The galaxies that are so familiar and ubiquitous in our Universe today will die, at least in a sense, as well.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
And in an increasingly fraught world, the need for a place that feels simple and familiar — one that offers the quiet assurance that everyone belongs — becomes not just understandable, but essential.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Harvesting seed nearby is a way to get plants that are genetically adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions and are more likely to thrive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
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In the northern United States, enjoying the starry winter sky requires protection against the prevailing low temperatures.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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