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
There was a pervasive sense of cultural apathy regarding the study of the past that was growing stronger by the minute, as if the world had already accrued the maximum knowledge of prior civilizations and required nothing further in order to barrel onward into the future.
—
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
In my view, Spence’s writings are evidence that the concept of basic income is a response to pervasive dispossession.
—Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Both historians explain that the latest discovery is a reminder of how recent the terror and bombings were — and how pervasive the KKK was in every aspect of American society.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people’s interactions with chatbots.
—Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
In my view, Spence’s writings are evidence that the concept of basic income is a response to pervasive dispossession.
—Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Both historians explain that the latest discovery is a reminder of how recent the terror and bombings were — and how pervasive the KKK was in every aspect of American society.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people’s interactions with chatbots.
—Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
Now, though, with the widespread circulation of magic manuals, grimoires, and related compendia—with the recording, on paper, of words, spells, histories, stories—witchcraft has taken an irreversible step into the exoteric realm.—
Kristen Roupenian,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
At a time of widespread angst over runaway ticket prices, merely encountering something novel at a concert isn’t enough for many to justify the cost of getting in the door, particularly when superstars like Taylor Swift and SZA are on the road showing that innovation and value can coexist.—
Vanessa Franko,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
So, in a general process of professionalization that changed the way that music was experienced, raising standards while widening the gap between expert and amateur, the mandolin fell out of fashion.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Denise Lieberman, director and general counsel for the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, an organization that champions accessible elections, said the signs serve no purpose, since they’re tied to eligibility, which would be vetted by election officials before a ballot is cast.—
Jack Harvel
April 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Orange terra cotta panels are set within the precast and suggest a lighter touch than the concrete that’s prevalent throughout the original buildings on campus.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Inclusion is prevalent in K-Pop culture and Oh’s students also reflect a diverse student group.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fresh off the global success of KPop Demon Hunters, the film’s vocal stars are bringing their fandom full circle with a new collaboration that turns a familiar fast-food run into an immersive experience.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The arguments in Madigan’s case had a familiar ring in a state where the line between legal politics and bribery has always seemed a blurry one.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
