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

Other Word Forms

• prevailingly adverb
• prevailingness noun
• unprevailing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevailing¹

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

Example Sentences

A Reliance Industries spokesperson said the company purchases crude oil from several sources, including the Middle East and the U.S., and bases its decisions on prevailing market conditions.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

They argue that in the chaos of the post-revolution period, the facility was "the safest place" for Mas'ud and the other agents, given the violence and anti-Gaddafi sentiment prevailing at the time.

Read more on BBC

The ultimate number of majority-Black districts in Louisiana is not only a question of constitutional principles applied to prevailing facts.

Read more on Salon

Some construction projects already require union-level pay, known as a “prevailing wage,” and benefits.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They beat New Zealand for the first time in their history last year, prevailing 22-19 to clinch the Pacific Four Series.

Read more on BBC

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.