Meaning & use

prevail

verb·Advanced

To prove more powerful than opposing forces; to win or succeed, especially after a struggle.

See it in a sentence

Despite the odds, the underdog team prevailed in the final round.

Common sense eventually prevailed, and the two sides reached a compromise.

A note on using this word

Prevail can also mean to be the most common or usual state of things, as in calm weather prevailed for most of the week.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

faillose

Another way to use it

2. verb

To be widespread or predominant at a particular time or place.

A sense of optimism prevailed among the new graduates.

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