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
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Recent Examples of prevail
Champions Wildcard run after prevailing in last night’s quarterfinals.
—
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
This, at least, has been the prevailing view for much of the modern history of American commerce.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
In other words, even if the Ninth Circuit disagrees with Wilken, that wouldn’t be enough for the objectors to prevail.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Jan. 2026
The prevailing theory at least, is that dormant electrical lines that stretch up and over Eaton Canyon … were electrified in the windstorm ahead of the fire breaking out in Altadena.
—Tonya Mosley, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prevail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevail
Verb
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The Bruins won for the fifth time in six games despite going 0 for 6 on the power play a day after beating the Rangers 10-2.—
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Though the Heat is returning home for three games, Miami won’t be heavily favored to win any of them.—
Verb
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Both pilots survived the crash.—
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To become Florida law, bills need to survive committee hearings, pass votes in the House and Senate and avoid the governor’s veto pen.—
Verb
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Act fast to shop Amazon’s current hottest deals because prices aren’t guaranteed to last through the month.—
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Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.—
Cite this Entry
“Prevail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevail. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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