prevail
12 synonyms for prevail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prevail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prevail over
good prevails
prevailing winds
Etymology
From Latin praevalere, "to be more able, to be superior," from prae- ("before") + valere ("to be strong or able").
Full origin of prevail →Frequently asked questions
What does “prevail” mean?
The word “prevail” means to win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle. In plain terms, to win in the end, or to be the dominant, most common state of things.
How do you pronounce “prevail”?
“Prevail” is pronounced prih-VAYL (/pɹɪˈveɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “prevail” in a sentence?
Here is “prevail” used in a sentence: “Despite the setbacks, the underdog team prevailed in the final.”
What part of speech is “prevail”?
“Prevail” is a verb.
Where does the word “prevail” come from?
The word “prevail” comes from Latin. From Latin praevalere, "to be more able, to be superior," from prae- ("before") + valere ("to be strong or able").
Is “prevail” a common word?
“Prevail” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prevail” have?
“Prevail” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to win out or come out on top, especially after a struggle.
What is the difference between prevail and prevalent?
Prevail is a verb meaning to win out after a struggle or to be the most common condition, while prevalent is the related adjective describing something widespread or common. You would say an idea prevails in a debate, but a prevalent idea exists across a population.
When should you use prevail instead of win?
Prevail is often chosen over win in formal or literary contexts, especially when describing a difficult, prolonged struggle rather than a simple contest. It also carries a sense of eventual triumph despite opposition, which plain win does not always imply.
Can prevail mean something other than winning?
Yes. Prevail can also mean to be the most common or widespread condition at a given time, as in calm weather prevailed over the weekend. This sense describes prevalence rather than victory.
