prevalent
adjective
prev·a·lent
ˈpre-və-lənt 
ˈprev-lənt
1
: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
2
: being in ascendancy : dominant
3
archaic
: powerful
prevalent
noun
prevalently
adverb
Synonyms
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
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
Drought is prevalent, food is scarce, and, yes, there are fires.
—Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Corruption and graft were prevalent in that environment, and federal employment meant absolute fealty to the president.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2025
In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
However, some health care workers are required to get the vaccine due to exposure, and some universities may require the vaccine for certain international students where the disease is more prevalent.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevalent 
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Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Corruption and graft were prevalent in that environment, and federal employment meant absolute fealty to the president.
—Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2025
In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent, researchers have taken a bold step forward by introducing Melody, a life-sized artificial intelligence robot designed to combat this growing epidemic.
—Fox News Staff, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025
However, some health care workers are required to get the vaccine due to exposure, and some universities may require the vaccine for certain international students where the disease is more prevalent.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevalent
Dictionary Entries Near prevalent
Cite this Entry
“Prevalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalent. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prevalent
adjective
prev·a·lent
ˈprev(-ə)-lənt
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently
adverb
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