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 There is still a pervasive assumption that these books are fluff, smut or secret guilty pleasures. — Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 Yet this runs counter to the pervasive narrative that investing more in primary care is the key to solving the American health care crisis. — Christopher P. Childers, STAT, 10 July 2026 Dru-Ann quits her job Drama over Dru-Ann’s career is pervasive both on the page and onscreen. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 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
  • New Zealand’s biosecurity minister has warned that the country will follow a similar path, should a widespread outbreak occur.
    — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s move followed widespread protests triggered by the removal of the country’s popular, young defense minister, who spearheaded an embrace of technology in the war against Russia, helping shift the tide in Kyiv’s favor.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of widespread
Adjective
  • With Robertson in the lineup heading into training camp, general manager Jim Nill now has some options.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With multiple companies able to utilize general intelligence similarly, what will differentiate your firm from another will be the ability of your model to understand the work that needs to be done.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most prevalent example of this was California's Proposition 22 in 2020.
    — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
  • That has not, though, prevented a nagging sense of nervousness among the fanbase — something that has been prevalent in previous years as well.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of prevalent
Adjective
  • Children grow up without the network of neighboors, relatives and familiar adults that used to make a place feel safe.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Drawing inspiration from the classic old fashioned cocktail, this fruit-forward IPA delivers familiar flavors in a delightfully different form.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pervasive

Nglish: Translation of pervasive for Spanish Speakers

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