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
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Recent Examples of prevail
Before October 7th, a fifth of the West Bank’s labor force was employed in Israel, earning more than double the prevailing wage at home.
—
Nirit Peled,
New Yorker,
26 June 2026
At a time when autocratic nations use sport as a propaganda tool, and FIFA seemingly turns a blind eye to the human rights records of hosting nations, the fact that democracies tend to prevail on the pitch feels like a victory for free nations.
—
John A. Tures,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
That got uncomfortable for a while, even if Alcaraz prevailed.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
There’s this prevailing sentiment of perseverance in spite of grief, and a compulsion to dedicate his success to those who witnessed the journey.
—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Nirit Peled,
New Yorker,
26 June 2026
At a time when autocratic nations use sport as a propaganda tool, and FIFA seemingly turns a blind eye to the human rights records of hosting nations, the fact that democracies tend to prevail on the pitch feels like a victory for free nations.
—
John A. Tures,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
That got uncomfortable for a while, even if Alcaraz prevailed.
—
Ava Wallace,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
There’s this prevailing sentiment of perseverance in spite of grief, and a compulsion to dedicate his success to those who witnessed the journey.
—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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But Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley’s law school dean, said Trump still won most of the cases the court decided either after oral arguments or through emergency appeals the administration brought.
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The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game.
Verb
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But can this love story survive the Jackson ranch's shady dealings?
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These are hero buys that will survive the elements, no matter whether plans include scaling mountains or sunning in parks.
Verb
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Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.
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With crushed Fritos, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and more, this is a dish that won't last long on the appetizer spread.
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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