prevailing

[ pri-vey-ling ]

adjective

1. predominant:

   prevailing winds.

   Synonyms: prevalent, dominant, preponderant

2. generally current:

   the prevailing opinion.

   Synonyms: widespread, common

   Antonyms: rare

3. having superior power or influence.
4. effectual.

   Synonyms: effective

prevailing

/ prɪˈveɪlɪŋ /

adjective

1. generally accepted; widespread

   the prevailing opinion

2. most frequent or conspicuous; predominant

   the prevailing wind is from the north

Derived Forms

• preˈvailingly, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·vailing·ly adverb
• pre·vailing·ness noun
• unpre·vailing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevailing¹

First recorded in 1580–90; prevail + -ing ²

Example Sentences

When the Supreme Court considers how constitutional rights apply to the facts of our society, they are often forced to rule on what those broad prevailing facts are.

From No Straight News

Since the 1950s, fluoride has adapted itself to the prevailing concerns of the time.

From The Daily Beast

What sets him apart from so many of his contemporaries was his rare immunity from the influence of prevailing ideas.

From The Daily Beast

And this is the prevailing attitude that white St. Louis fears the most: an all out riot, anarchy, lawlessness, disorder.

From The Daily Beast

The prevailing color is pink; the headgear: red bows and ears; the guests: super giddy.

From The Daily Beast

Press releases show it briefly advocated against a prevailing wage for education projects in 2009 before falling off the radar.

From The Daily Beast

It is a notable fact that under the wholly unusual circumstances prevailing, the recovery was so prompt and effective.

From Project Gutenberg

The prevailing fault of the modern Swell organ is, perhaps, the inadequacy of the Flute work.

From Project Gutenberg

To the northward of it the coast trends in and forms a bay, but not deep enough to offer shelter from the prevailing winds.

From Project Gutenberg

Eloise asked, her maidenly modesty prevailing over every other feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

The American was dressed after the fashion prevailing in the hills, and had a couple of revolvers dangling at his hips.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• current
• predominant
• prevalent
• rampant
• universal
• usual

When To Use

What are other ways to say prevailing?

Something that is prevailing is generally current. What’s the difference between prevailing, current, and prevalent? Find out on Thesaurus.com.