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
If her side ultimately prevails, the county would be responsible for their attorney fees.
—
Olivia Young, CBS News, 8 June 2026
By prevailing over Minnesota and OKC in back-to-back slugfests, the Spurs have shattered every precedent that experience is a non-negotiable playoff virtue.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Whether or not Raman’s new lead lasts, Pratt might be thinking of ordering movers one way or another as the likelihood of him prevailing in the heavily Democratic metropolis seems slim.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 June 2026
The Lancers’ baseball team came up short in the CIF Southern California Division 4 Regional championship game, with visiting North Torrance prevailing 9-3.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Olivia Young, CBS News, 8 June 2026
By prevailing over Minnesota and OKC in back-to-back slugfests, the Spurs have shattered every precedent that experience is a non-negotiable playoff virtue.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Whether or not Raman’s new lead lasts, Pratt might be thinking of ordering movers one way or another as the likelihood of him prevailing in the heavily Democratic metropolis seems slim.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 June 2026
The Lancers’ baseball team came up short in the CIF Southern California Division 4 Regional championship game, with visiting North Torrance prevailing 9-3.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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Similar to congressional races, but unlike county-level elections, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November election regardless of whether either candidate wins a majority of the vote.—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
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Edina has won nine straight games since suffering that defeat.—
Anya Armentrout,
Twin Cities,
10 June 2026
Verb
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There is also the risk that a micrometeoroid could punch a hole in one of the heat-resistant outer tiles on the Orion spacecraft, NASA's crew capsule for the agency's Artemis moon missions, undermining its ability to survive the intense furnace of reentry, per NASA.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
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Unlike other fruit trees, yuzu can survive cold temperatures, which adds to its appeal for growing in home gardens.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The talks, conducted in coordination with the US, lasted into the early hours of this morning, the source said, as the US was striking Iran.—
Arpita Dasika,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
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That unrest lasted several days, but the Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged an immediate cessation of the current disorder and a return to calm.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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