prevail

verb

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

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

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.
Kissel prevailed with a golden goal in overtime Monday, bringing the game to 2-1 and the unseeded Vermont its first men’s soccer NCAA championship in program history. Rebecca Tauber, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024 Related article Vikings, Falcons prevail in Monday Night Football doubleheader The reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs secured their 10th straight playoff berth with five games to spare after beating the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday in Week 13. Sam Joseph, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 Baker ultimately prevailed in the race and prioritized health care reform during his administration, signing several pieces of legislation and defending key aspects of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act against attacks from Republicans. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Pallone prevailed, however, when every House Democrat got the chance to vote. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near prevail

Cite this Entry

“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevail. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prevail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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