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
Just a glance at some of Netflix’s Black female leads sheds light on the industry’s pervasive preference for casting biracial and lighter-skinned girls and women.
—
Essence, 28 July 2025
Newsweek spoke to Phil Macleod, a therapist and founder of Thought Reader, who offered insight into why such a pervasive issue might go unnoticed.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Meta is being a wide berth since the investments, thus far, are clearly paying off and helping ensure that the company is set up for further growth in the years ahead as artificial intelligence becomes ever more pervasive in our daily lives.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 31 July 2025
Obviously, no one’s hair really looks like this at the beach, but beach waves are pervasive on screens big and small: Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane has beach waves in Superman; Cate Blanchett has beach waves in Black Bag.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Essence, 28 July 2025
Newsweek spoke to Phil Macleod, a therapist and founder of Thought Reader, who offered insight into why such a pervasive issue might go unnoticed.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Meta is being a wide berth since the investments, thus far, are clearly paying off and helping ensure that the company is set up for further growth in the years ahead as artificial intelligence becomes ever more pervasive in our daily lives.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 31 July 2025
Obviously, no one’s hair really looks like this at the beach, but beach waves are pervasive on screens big and small: Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane has beach waves in Superman; Cate Blanchett has beach waves in Black Bag.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
This latest winning streak couldn’t have come at a better time to boost the morale of southeastern Wisconsin residents following recent massive rain storms that triggered widespread flooding and millions in damage over a four county area.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Dean Reynolds, a former Clinton Township trustee, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in February 2019 in a widespread corruption probe.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Airport officials believed the city was moving money, which according to state law should be dedicated to paying off the bonds, to the city's general fund and then using it for purposes other than paying off the bonds.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Aug. 2025
-
In 2022, general manager Jon Robinson traded Brown, an All-Pro, to Philadelphia and didn’t adequately replace him.—
Dianna Russini,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Loyal also has both a shot and a pill in the works to lengthen large dogs’ short lifespans by limiting a growth hormone more prevalent in big dogs than small.—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Yes, the idea has long been prevalent that a lady should be able to conceal her age.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
As the new general manager of the Farmington Civic Theater, Clare Cooney plans to add some indie films to the historic Farmington landmark’s familiar mix of tentpole movies and family favorites, writes Julie Hinds.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
For many people, a society where women average 1.8 or 1.9 children would feel familiar.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share