1
as in wins
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in survives
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
a custom that still prevails in many areas of Africa
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 prevails
Overall, the impression prevails that journalists, at least in routine reporting, use digital tools only as a new access route to established sources.
—
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Which has left some Democrats sweating the prospect that El-Sayed prevails in August, only to get hammered by Rogers as too far left for a swing state.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, misogyny prevails throughout the story.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
In Nebraska, assume that Dan Osborn prevails over incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
However, even if Mendoza Hernandez prevails, he may not be released.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
This moment is not the end, but a reminder that love endures, truth prevails, and hope never fades, because even in the darkest moments, justice will find its way.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Opinions from the Office of Legal Counsel bind the executive branch, but if a court reaches a different interpretation of a legal question, that determination prevails.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
By backing multiple candidates, Uber appears to be positioning itself to maintain influence regardless of which candidate ultimately prevails.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
Which has left some Democrats sweating the prospect that El-Sayed prevails in August, only to get hammered by Rogers as too far left for a swing state.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, misogyny prevails throughout the story.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
In Nebraska, assume that Dan Osborn prevails over incumbent Republican Senator Pete Ricketts.
—Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
However, even if Mendoza Hernandez prevails, he may not be released.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
This moment is not the end, but a reminder that love endures, truth prevails, and hope never fades, because even in the darkest moments, justice will find its way.
—Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
Opinions from the Office of Legal Counsel bind the executive branch, but if a court reaches a different interpretation of a legal question, that determination prevails.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
By backing multiple candidates, Uber appears to be positioning itself to maintain influence regardless of which candidate ultimately prevails.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevails
Verb
-
Two of those series wins — in 1980 versus Montreal and in 1968 versus Los Angeles — came when the team was still based in Minnesota.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2026
-
If any candidate wins 50%+1 on June 2, that’s the final result.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
It was designed by architect Adolph Woerner, who was also behind the Village Theater on Clark Street and North Avenue that partially survives as a façade for a residential high-rise entryway.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
After a two-year renovation, though, very little of that incarnation survives.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the recording, which lasts over an hour, continues, Athena’s screams can be heard.—
Jamie Stengle,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
If a super El Niño forms in the coming months and lasts into next year, climate scientists have said that global temperatures in 2027 could spike to record-breaking highs.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
But a vast disconnect often persists between brand strategies and factory actualities.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
That partnership propels their next chapter, even as scrutiny persists.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevails. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
