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
And justlikethat, this has been the prevailing headline in local news reports ever since as paranoia surges across social media.
—
Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026
Much of the prevailing sentiment has been spurred by years of growing frustration with current measurement of TV audiences.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 May 2026
In the end, San Antonio prevailed in a 115-108 victory thanks to the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 monster in the middle who stood even taller on Friday night.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 9 May 2026
In these situations, if the stakes for one side are existential and for the other much lower, the side with the higher stakes usually prevails.
—Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026
Much of the prevailing sentiment has been spurred by years of growing frustration with current measurement of TV audiences.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 May 2026
In the end, San Antonio prevailed in a 115-108 victory thanks to the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 monster in the middle who stood even taller on Friday night.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 9 May 2026
In these situations, if the stakes for one side are existential and for the other much lower, the side with the higher stakes usually prevails.
—Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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In a rematch of last year’s championship, Jefferson defeated Oconee County 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the girls 3A state title Tuesday at Duluth High School.—
Sarah Spencer,
AJC.com,
13 May 2026
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The greatest clutch player in the history of the sport did it again, scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory to end the Frost’s dynasty run, and pushing Montreal to the first PWHL Walter Cup Finals in team history.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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If jet-fuel prices don’t come down soon, other ultra-discount carriers may also be struggling to survive.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
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Most banana plants survive even severe freezes and can make new grow from shoots at or below the ground line.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The unlikely union lasted 10 years and the mutual admiration between the two famed figures never diminished.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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As the recording, which lasts over an hour, continues, Athena’s screams can be heard.—
Jamie Stengle,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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