prevail

verb

pri-ˈvāl How to pronounce prevail (audio)
Definition of prevailnext
1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest) we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs a custom that still prevails in many areas of Africa

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prevail And that feeling prevails on Independence Day, especially in the City of Brotherly Love. — Sean Gregory, Time, 5 July 2026 But that’s not the same as asserting that the physical differences between males and females invariably mean that men will invariably prevail over women in all competitions or that their participation will endanger women. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 In a thrilling back-and-forth match, 90 minutes wasn’t enough, and Argentina ultimately prevailed, 3-2, on Friday night at Miami Stadium. — Rod Beard, AJC.com, 4 July 2026 Fiji dazzled early and Wales finished strong to prevail 39-24 in the Nations Championship on Saturday and win consecutive matches for the first time in three years. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
  1. win
  2. survive
  3. last
Verb
  • But Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley’s law school dean, said Trump still won most of the cases the court decided either after oral arguments or through emergency appeals the administration brought.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The Socceroos are playing in the knockout stage for the third time in 20 years but have yet to win an elimination game.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of win
Verb
  • But can this love story survive the Jackson ranch's shady dealings?
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • These are hero buys that will survive the elements, no matter whether plans include scaling mountains or sunning in parks.
    — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of survive
Verb
  • Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • With crushed Fritos, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and more, this is a dish that won't last long on the appetizer spread.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Definition of last

Phrases Containing prevail

Browse Nearby Words

pretty (up)
prevail
prevailed
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Cite this Entry

“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prevail

Nglish: Translation of prevail for Spanish Speakers

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