as in persuades
to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests
we prevailed on him to sing in front of all his friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevails (on or upon)
Verb
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Nuremberg explores how authoritarian regimes take over democracies — not by making a detailed intellectual case that persuades on its merits but by validating the power fantasies of those who feel shut out.—
Matt Zoller Seitz,
Vulture,
11 Dec. 2025 -
In the final confrontation, Tea persuades Miran to surrender, arguing that doing so will protect his family.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Like when that same duo finally convinces Treebeard and the other Ents to join the battle at Isengard, after seeing their tree friends were cut and burned down by villain Saruman and the orcs.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Jan. 2026
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Ariana isn’t super keen on talking to the police about her assault at first, but Cooper convinces her to file charges so Johnny can never hurt another woman.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The trial court now will have to resolve whether the Salvation Army’s work therapy satisfies this two-part test.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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Wrestling satisfies a natural need for performance and competition.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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They’ll be insulated from the blitz pressure Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph brings, rain or shine.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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This week, Harry Styles brings us together, XG deliver a major debut and Louis Tomlinson makes his mark.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Indiana Pacers Another surprisingly expensive team, the reigning Eastern Conference champions would likely go into the tax if restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin gets an appropriate salary over the summer.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
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Here's where this case gets even messier.—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The month of December typically brings around 2 to 3 inches of rain to the region, on average, records show.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
23 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Prevails (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevails%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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