1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Dominion famously prevailed in a similar defamation lawsuit against Fox News in 2023 when Fox agreed to pay the company $787.5 million.
—
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Similar patterns prevailed in suburban and rural areas among respondents to the survey.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Where expansion isn’t possible, innovation and efficiency must prevail, the way that life on a ship requires using every available inch.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Similar patterns prevailed in suburban and rural areas among respondents to the survey.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 3 June 2025
Where expansion isn’t possible, innovation and efficiency must prevail, the way that life on a ship requires using every available inch.
—Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
But at a time when student-athletes’ rights prevail and provide the freedom to change schools and cash in, coaches aim to regain control and curtail roster movement — even at the expense of a player in an unfavorable situation.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
-
In New Jersey, whichever party won the presidential race the year prior, in this case the Republican Party, typically loses gubernatorial elections in the following year as voters buck the party in power in Washington, D.C. THE NEXT SWING STATE?—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2025
-
Earlier this week, the Trump administration threatened California with fines and legal action after a 16-year-old transgender athlete AB Hernandez won both the high school girls' high jump and triple jump at a California state track meet, according to CBS News.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Her child survived and, for a short while, reigned as king.—
Erica Stern
June 9,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2025
-
Would these firms have survived had section 404 not been enacted?—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
Though school hours in California might range from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Olsen said drivers should still be cautious when passing by a school zone because after-school programs can last until 6 p.m.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
-
Jennifer Wills, President and Chief Growth Officer of Kelleher International, has seen the challenges of HNW CEOs, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists firsthand, dedicating her career to combating loneliness with lasting love.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share