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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prevail
Who will prevail, Charles or William?
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026
No country could prevail against us in a conventional war.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Although Lopez and her stylist had some reservations about the dress’s having been worn before, the opportunity for a moment prevailed.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Antitrust claims from private parties rarely prevail, but if a case can be made, the plaintiffs could force a monetary settlement on behalf of subscribers and moviegoers.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 May 2026
No country could prevail against us in a conventional war.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Although Lopez and her stylist had some reservations about the dress’s having been worn before, the opportunity for a moment prevailed.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Antitrust claims from private parties rarely prevail, but if a case can be made, the plaintiffs could force a monetary settlement on behalf of subscribers and moviegoers.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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The big man, who won the 2016 NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, previously had his younger sibling under a guardianship, according to TMZ.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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Schindler also put down the winning kill in both games for the Knights (16-5, 1-1).—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Fred, their oldest surviving child, was suspended from Princeton for cheating, then caught embezzling from his Seattle employer to feed, Church suspected, a gambling habit.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The Sox survived a scare in the ninth.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Verb
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And an Oakland teachers strike in 1996 lasted about a month.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Then came the brutal Japanese annexation that lasted from 1910 to 1945.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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