prevalent

adjective

prev·​a·​lent ˈpre-və-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
ˈprev-lənt
Synonyms of prevalent
1
a
: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
prevalent beliefs
Since ageism is so prevalent in society at large, it is hardly surprising to find ageism in popular culture …—Arnold Arluke
b
: existing or occurring frequently : common
The third most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide is that of vitamin A.—Sue Rodwell Williams
2
: being in ascendancy : dominant
The prevalent view of Eastern Europe in the West is wrong.—John Lukacs
3
archaic : powerful
prevalent noun
prevalently adverb

Synonyms of prevalent

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Examples of prevalent in a Sentence

Sweden is known as a nation ridden by suicide and alcoholism, but those problems are no more prevalent here than in most European countries. —John Harris, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2002
Teams seem to him better coached, players more skilled, the strategy even more defensive, the opportunities less prevalent, the game less ripe. —Alec Wilkinson, ESPN, 16 Apr. 2001
So prevalent were grave robberies that the pharaohs' loyal retainers often spirited away their masters' remains for reinterment in secret graves. —Paul Martin, National Geographic Traveler, March 1999
Throughout the Mediterranean culture, which was the matrix of our own, the tree was a prevalent embodiment of the Mother Goddess;  … —Francis DuPlessix Gray, UTNE Reader, November/December 1987
a custom that was once prevalent here Those teaching methods are still prevalent at some schools. a fashion that is prevalent among teenagers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The California Youth Tobacco Survey found that in 2023, vapes were the most prevalent tobacco product among high school students. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, is prevalent in coastal waters, including brackish water where fresh water mixes with salty water. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 Sanfilippo syndrome is the most prevalent form of childhood dementia. — Mike McRae 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 Unsurprisingly, jobs where AI automation is prevalent are the ones showing the worst relative employment levels for entry-level workers these days. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevalent

Word History

Etymology

Latin praevalent-, praevalens very powerful, from present participle of praevalēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalent was in the 15th century

Rhymes for prevalent

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Prevalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevalent

adjective
prev·​a·​lent ˈprev(-ə)-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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