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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Nonetheless, the film does have atmosphere, thanks to Simon Plunket’s widescreen cinematography achieving an effect that’s handsome but not prettified, a pervasive bluish lighting cast conveying an uphill-struggle melancholy in wordless terms.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Guichard noted that the decline was largely driven by consumers’ falling expectations; the three components of these expectations — business conditions, employment prospects, and future income — all deteriorated sharply, reflecting pervasive pessimism about the future.
—Kevin Williams, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
There has also been pervasive bearish sentiment in the market, which can be a buying signal.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
View 3 Images View gallery - 3 images Perhaps one of the most pervasive longstanding technology conspiracy theories is that your smartphone is constantly listening in on your private conversations.
—New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Guichard noted that the decline was largely driven by consumers’ falling expectations; the three components of these expectations — business conditions, employment prospects, and future income — all deteriorated sharply, reflecting pervasive pessimism about the future.
—Kevin Williams, Quartz, 29 Apr. 2025
There has also been pervasive bearish sentiment in the market, which can be a buying signal.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
View 3 Images View gallery - 3 images Perhaps one of the most pervasive longstanding technology conspiracy theories is that your smartphone is constantly listening in on your private conversations.
—New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
The plaintiffs said in court filings that Trump's drastic downsizing of federal agencies will result in an array of widespread harms to the public, including gutting disaster relief programs, public health services, food safety inspections, and contagious disease prevention.—
Daniel Wiessner,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Now, it’s being discussed and measured in people’s bloodwork on a more widespread basis.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Granlund was averaging approximately 1 point a game for the San Jose Sharks when Stars general manager Jim Nill sent the Sharks first- and third-round picks for Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci on Feb. 1.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
-
When these systems break under the stress of abuse, neglect, or general incompetence, bad things happen.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
That was the most prevalent worry expressed in mid-April.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
-
Another common disease ticks spread is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a disease that is very prevalent in North Carolina, Hayes said.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Some of this uncertainty is coming from familiar sources, and some from new developments.—
Amanda Tickel,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
Poison ivy is a familiar example, but other dangerous plants include pokeweed, poison hemlock, giant hogweed and stinging nettle.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share