prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
ˈprev-lən(t)s
Synonyms of prevalence
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Synonyms of prevalence

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Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
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.
Fernandes points out the prevalence of tactical voting — when voters abandon their preferred candidate for one with a better chance of winning or defeating a rival — as an explanation for the first-round surprise in early October. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 The prevalence of money laundering schemes is an indication to Hall that more regulations are needed to address retail theft. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Data on the prevalence of rare behaviors like heroin use are also often not available to researchers below the national level, even though use and supply vary a great deal across areas. — J. Travis Donahoe, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 This has created a divide, with those on the preservation side feeling disillusioned by the prevalence of slop, and those on the AI side excited by the possibilities, particularly as the tools continue to evolve. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevalence

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Rhymes for prevalence

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Browse Nearby Words

Préval
prevalence
prevalent
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Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prevalence

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