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.
Petunia was suffering from a bovine form of maple syrup urine disease, a life-threatening condition unusually prevalent in Pennsylvania’s Mennonite community. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 27 Oct. 2026 That identity, however, needs to be understood on its own historical terms — rooted in the Caribbean Sephardic world Levis was born into, not the standards prevalent elsewhere. — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 Eric and Linda Carpenter-Grantham have shown us how change can begin — with a willingness to speak up and a practical idea that addresses a prevalent concern. — Jermaine F. Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026 Among the many reports the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had to contend with since moving to the UK, that has been one of the more prevalent ones. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 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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Cite this Entry

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