prevalent

American  

[prev-uh-luhnt] / ˈprɛv ə lənt /

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.

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prevalent British  

/ ˈprɛvələnt /

adjective

1. widespread or current

2. superior in force or power; predominant

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Usage

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. 

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of prevalent

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

Example Sentences

There’s been a “risk-off” mood prevalent in markets lately, and that sentiment has hit bitcoin especially hard.

From MarketWatch

"When we gather enough samples across individuals we can then analyze how prevalent these dietary trends are throughout a population."

From Science Daily

Brazil’s central bank held interest rates steady at a high level, as expected, but softened the hawkish tone prevalent in past meetings as it signaled monetary easing is ahead.

From The Wall Street Journal

Had social media been as prevalent when the “Scary Island” trip first aired, there wouldn’t be one Housewife on the trip who could’ve escaped the lethal criticisms of Bravo fanatics.

From Salon

WTH: Cancer rates and asthma are so prevalent among the people who I grew up around.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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