prevail

verb

pre·​vail pri-ˈvāl How to pronounce prevail (audio)
prevailed; prevailing; prevails
Synonyms of prevail

intransitive verb

1
: to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority : triumph
2
: to be or become effective or effectual
3
: to use persuasion successfully
prevailed on him to sing
4
: to be frequent : predominate
the west winds that prevail in the mountains
5
: to be or continue in use or fashion : persist
a custom that still prevails

Synonyms of prevail

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Examples of prevail in a Sentence

Mutual respect prevails among students and teachers here. The house was built in the style that prevailed in the 1980s. The law still prevails in some states.
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.
There’s a prevailing sentiment among critics right now that the second season of Adults has been a significant improvement on season one. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 Physical volume is conjured, but a mesmerizing autonomy of line prevails. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 At the beginning of the 20th century, the prevailing wisdom about raising children could be remarkably grim. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 And whichever party doesn’t prevail in the appeal will probably go to the high court. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevail

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin praevalēre, from prae- pre- + valēre to be strong — more at wield

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevail was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing prevail

Rhymes for prevail

See All Rhymes for prevail

Browse Nearby Words

prev
prevail
prevailance
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Cite this Entry

“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevail. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevail

verb
pre·​vail pri-ˈvā(ə)l How to pronounce prevail (audio)
1
: to win against opposition : be successful
our team prevailed
truth will prevail over error
believed injustice should not prevail
2
: to urge successfully
prevailed upon me to play a few tunes
3
a
: to be frequent
the storms that prevail there in winter
b
: to be or continue to be in use or fashion
lower rates prevail in the evening
customs that still prevail

Legal Definition

prevail

intransitive verb
pre·​vail pri-ˈvāl How to pronounce prevail (audio)
1
: to obtain substantially the relief or action sought in a lawsuit
2
: to be frequent or predominant
the prevailing rate
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