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
Champions Wildcard run after prevailing in last night’s quarterfinals.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
This, at least, has been the prevailing view for much of the modern history of American commerce.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
In other words, even if the Ninth Circuit disagrees with Wilken, that wouldn’t be enough for the objectors to prevail.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The prevailing theory at least, is that dormant electrical lines that stretch up and over Eaton Canyon … were electrified in the windstorm ahead of the fire breaking out in Altadena.
—Tonya Mosley, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
This, at least, has been the prevailing view for much of the modern history of American commerce.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
In other words, even if the Ninth Circuit disagrees with Wilken, that wouldn’t be enough for the objectors to prevail.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The prevailing theory at least, is that dormant electrical lines that stretch up and over Eaton Canyon … were electrified in the windstorm ahead of the fire breaking out in Altadena.
—Tonya Mosley, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
-
Cardell Williams completed 8 of 11 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns to speedster Ernest Campbell as the Hornets won for the sixth time in their last eight outings with two conference games to go.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Both pilots survived the crash.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
To become Florida law, bills need to survive committee hearings, pass votes in the House and Senate and avoid the governor’s veto pen.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Act fast to shop Amazon’s current hottest deals because prices aren’t guaranteed to last through the month.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
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,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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