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

The plot of “Heart the Lover” hinges on the sort of surprises and communication glitches that were more prevalent before smartphones enabled constant connectivity.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

It’s become especially prevalent in California, where operators have discovered a steady stream of revenue by luring people with addiction from across the country and billing their private insurance.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A sense of uncertainty about the future is prevalent among the young, while frustration is bubbling up over the yawning wealth gap and a general lack of opportunities.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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

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.