pervasive

adjective

Definition of pervasivenext
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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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 Although today’s Russia is a far cry from the pervasive Soviet party-state of the Stalin era, there are important echoes of this earlier era for what lies ahead. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 An estimated 220,000 people have been evacuated in the Gironde region, since the most pervasive fire broke out last week. — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 28 July 2026 There was also pervasive discomfort with the role of money in the race. — ABC News, 26 July 2026 Drawing on the testimonies of 255 workers across eight factories in Pakistan, the report portrays an industry beset by pervasive unlawful wages, excessive working hours, harassment, bullying, surveillance and intimidation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
  1. widespread
  2. general
  3. prevalent
  4. familiar
  5. prevailing
Adjective
  • The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The better path is to recognize that the current strategy of widespread attacks and long operational pauses isn’t working, but that surrendering to Iran’s demands isn’t an acceptable outcome.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of widespread
Adjective
  • But it was decided this would not happen following a meeting between Mourinho, Real Madrid’s general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, head of scouting Juni Calafat and Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes at the Santo Mauro Hotel in central Madrid.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The group said the average consumer spend for parts at a dealer was $261, versus $275 at a general repair shop.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • More people are becoming pregnant at older ages; obesity has become more prevalent among those of reproductive age; and there are more twin, triplet and other multiple births.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The most prevalent use of electric transportation is on the road, with more than 150,000 electric vehicles sold so far this year in California, according to the California Energy Commission.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of prevalent
Adjective
  • Habity Design The Habity bedside clock looks like a familiar retro alarm clock, but inside sits a low-power e-paper screen, a speaker, and a small collection of calming sounds.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The statutory argument will be familiar to anyone following the Kalshi litigation.
    — The Insider, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of familiar
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
Definition of prevailing

Browse Nearby Words

pervasions
pervasive
perverse
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pervasive

Nglish: Translation of pervasive for Spanish Speakers

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