prevalent

[prev-uh-luhnt]

adjective

1. widespread; of wide extent or occurrence; in general use or acceptance.

   Synonyms: common, far-reaching
   Antonyms: rare, uncommon

2. having the superiority or ascendancy.

3. Archaic.,  effectual or efficacious.

prevalent

/ ˈprɛvələnt /

adjective

1. widespread or current

2. superior in force or power; predominant

Other Word Forms

• prevalence noun
• prevalentness noun
• prevalently adverb
• nonprevalent adjective
• nonprevalently adverb
• unprevalent adjective
• unprevalently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevalent¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin praevalent-, stem of praevalēns “having superior force,” present participle of praevalēre “to be more able, have superior force”; prevail

Word History and Origins

Origin of prevalent¹

C16 (in the sense: powerful): from Latin praevalens very strong, from praevalēre: see _prevail

Example Sentences

But nowhere are they as prevalent as Pasadena.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Medical professionals have warned that anti-medicine conspiracy theories appear to have become more prevalent.

Read more on BBC

Despite this the business has adapted, with much of it now operating in Cambodia, though it is still prevalent in Myanmar.

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"The enabling silence among critics fearful of retributions is already prevalent."

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He was instead the godfather of the “Debate Me” Bros, purveyors of a prevalent internet-based entertainment format that, in an era nearly void of substantive debate, is too often passed off as such.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• common 
• commonplace 
• everyday 
• extensive 
• frequent 
• new 
• normal 
• popular 
• prevailing 
• rampant 
• rife 
• ubiquitous 
• universal 

When To Use

What are other ways to say prevalent?

Something that is prevalent is widespread or in general use or acceptance. How is this adjective different from prevailing and current? Find out on Thesaurus.com.