prevalent

adjective

prev·​a·​lent ˈpre-və-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
ˈprev-lənt
1
: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
2
: being in ascendancy : dominant
3
archaic : powerful
prevalent noun
prevalently adverb

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
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.
Most prevalent on the list of the trendiest design styles of 2024 were a collection of terms that suggest a return to traditional decor. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024 Fentanyl was the most prevalent of the drugs tested, found in 24 of the samples, the researchers found. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024 However, as the current numbers show, stress is not only prevalent, but accompanied by a pallet of negative emotions. Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The one notable drawback for all Samsung TVs is their lack of Dolby Vision HDR, which is more prevalent than Samsung’s dynamic alternative, HDR10+. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prevalent 

Word History

Etymology

Latin praevalent-, praevalens very powerful, from present participle of praevalēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prevalent

Cite this Entry

“Prevalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prevalent

adjective
prev·​a·​lent ˈprev(-ə)-lənt How to pronounce prevalent (audio)
: accepted, practiced, or happening often or over a wide area
prevalently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!