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
Relaxed and tailored silhouettes were prevalent at Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Kiton, offering a broad range of options for today’s modern gentleman.
—Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Affordable housing and accessibility remains a prevalent issue for residents of Sacramento County.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 18 Jan. 2025
In fact, Gundam has covered a lot of ground in the last decade due to the uptake of its model kits, which the anime, now more prevalent outside of Japan, helps to promote.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The issue of policing will be especially prevalent in Kansas City, a Democratic-leaning city where residents have long expressed frustrations with police.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevalent 
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.
Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Affordable housing and accessibility remains a prevalent issue for residents of Sacramento County.
—Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 18 Jan. 2025
In fact, Gundam has covered a lot of ground in the last decade due to the uptake of its model kits, which the anime, now more prevalent outside of Japan, helps to promote.
—Ollie Barder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The issue of policing will be especially prevalent in Kansas City, a Democratic-leaning city where residents have long expressed frustrations with police.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 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 26 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prevalent
adjective
prev·a·lent
ˈprev(-ə)-lənt
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share