1
as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest)
we shall prevail despite the overwhelming odds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prevail
For those flying domestically or between countries that haven’t signed the Montreal Convention, local or national laws prevail regarding lost, stolen or damaged luggage.
—
Seth Kugel, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Nostalgia aside, the latest entry in the NBA’s interborough rivalry proved to be a war — one that Bridges and the Knicks ultimately prevailed in 99-95.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
The prevailing thought is the Suns are looking to make their move for Jimmy Butler and need to throw some first-round picks around in a possible trade with Miami.
—Zach Harper, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
The Duke previously prevailed in a lawsuit against the Mirror Group Newspapers, which publishes The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror, and The Sunday People.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevail 
Seth Kugel, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Nostalgia aside, the latest entry in the NBA’s interborough rivalry proved to be a war — one that Bridges and the Knicks ultimately prevailed in 99-95.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025
The prevailing thought is the Suns are looking to make their move for Jimmy Butler and need to throw some first-round picks around in a possible trade with Miami.
—Zach Harper, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
The Duke previously prevailed in a lawsuit against the Mirror Group Newspapers, which publishes The Mirror, The Sunday Mirror, and The Sunday People.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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Biden’s aides also deserve credit for working closely with Trump’s team to win a cease-fire in Gaza during the administration’s waning days.—
Andrew Exum,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2025
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Another ticket sold in Texas matched four numbers drawn plus the Powerball to win $150,000 with the Power Play multiplier.—
Don Sweeney,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
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He was survived by his parents, five brothers and his wife, according to the clipping.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2025
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Sanders’ story of his Toyota Tacoma surviving the Eaton Fire went viral on social media.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Rubio’s memo reportedly did not provide additional details about the suspension policy, including how long any such suspension periods may last.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them,
24 Jan. 2025
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Even before the first phase is completed, the fragile cease-fire agreement that has paused 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas faces increasingly long odds of lasting or even reaching phase two.—
Tracy Wilkinson,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near prevail
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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