1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to survive
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
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Recent Examples of prevail
New Mexico prosecutors prevailed in a criminal case against the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, in March 2024.
—
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, misogyny prevails throughout the story.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
Benches cleared, and cooler heads did not prevail, though no punches were thrown.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
The prevailing medical theory is that breast milk provides biological protection against NEC, rather than formula being a cause of the disease.
—Alexander Crider, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2026
Unfortunately, misogyny prevails throughout the story.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
Benches cleared, and cooler heads did not prevail, though no punches were thrown.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
The prevailing medical theory is that breast milk provides biological protection against NEC, rather than formula being a cause of the disease.
—Alexander Crider, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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This marks their first winning streak of at least seven games within April since 1989 (also seven).—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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With the efficient righty throwing to a Red Sox lineup that entered the game 23rd in runs scored and 24th in wRC+, the Yankees won, 4-0.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Only one cardinal survived—smells like a snitch—and Urban was apparently disappointed by how little the other captive cardinals had screamed.—
Jane Bua,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Smaller bush-type, or determinate, tomatoes can survive without support, but staking can help in the long run.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its few lasting effects are impersonal and clichéd.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
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Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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