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
The days-long threat of a catastrophic chemical explosion in Garden Grove has exposed the pervasive yet often ignored industrial risks hidden amid daily life in Southern California, where aerospace plants and petrochemical facilities are interwoven among homes, schools and parks.
—
Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
But in a fresh cologne, these will be more pervasive and enduring.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
Replies from the most recent survey in February show hunger is a more pervasive problem now than at any time in the last six years.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 27 May 2026
But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
But in a fresh cologne, these will be more pervasive and enduring.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
Replies from the most recent survey in February show hunger is a more pervasive problem now than at any time in the last six years.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 27 May 2026
But despite the colorful surroundings, there’s a pervasive hopelessness in this off-kilter world that looks a lot like our own.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
In fact, the coverage for the start of Davis’s second marathon was far more widespread than the first and included an article on Mark Samuels, the artist who painted the second Winkie billboard.—
Jonathan Odden,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
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That coming Fall of 2020, universal masking in schools and daycares was recommended by the CDC and widespread mandates were enacted at the state, district and county levels for children as young as two.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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That's our mission now is to help other DIYers learn how to do more on their project, from general contracting all the way through some of the actual construction elements.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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There are chances to take a deep dive into various history or literature classes beyond general education requirements, or for students to discover their passions or potential career pathways, Ellman said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
This happens especially in the hot summer months, when algae blooms are prevalent.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
The most worrisome and perhaps most prevalent revolves around his being two months shy of his 34th birthday.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
In mid-January, as Iran crushed wide-scale protests with the mass killing of demonstrators, Israel prepared a covert mission along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, two of the sources familiar with the plans told CNN.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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Broadcom is backstopping payments on the largest portions of the transaction, people familiar with the matter have said.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
4 June 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
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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 7 Jun. 2026.
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