1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 prevail
Coomer is likely to prevail in his defamation case against Oltmann.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
This would have been a disaster in a group with PSG and Atlético de Madrid, but the team prevailed and now will search for a result against the European champions.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
In a friend-of-the-court brief, Elliot Page, Nicole Maines and Lilly Wachowski, among other names, looked to undercut the prevailing narrative in right-wing attacks on transgender healthcare that transition ruins lives.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
This would have been a disaster in a group with PSG and Atlético de Madrid, but the team prevailed and now will search for a result against the European champions.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
In a friend-of-the-court brief, Elliot Page, Nicole Maines and Lilly Wachowski, among other names, looked to undercut the prevailing narrative in right-wing attacks on transgender healthcare that transition ruins lives.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
-
After a second-place finish in District 6-5A, the Mustangs won four playoff series, finishing the season with a 25-13 record.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2025
-
The book also won the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance, was listed as one of the best books of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews, and is the author’s first to go into production for film or TV.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Fifteen people survived, including the captain and all crew members except the chef.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 June 2025
-
Serra’s direction and Lively’s performance keep the film focused tightly on Nancy’s psyche, and the narrowing selection of options that requires her to get creative in order to survive.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
Sanders’ draft slide lasted until the third day, when Cleveland selected him.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
29 June 2025
-
Sunday's flight lasted about 10 minutes and 33 seconds, allowing the civilian crew a chance to unbuckle from their seats and briefly experience weightlessness in the capsule.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share