prevail
verb (used without object)
to be widespread or current; exist everywhere or generally.
was prevailing
-
past progressiveof prevail.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While a calamity was taking place in D.C., however, bureaucracy was prevailing in the Pentagon.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2023
While he was prevailing in Rome, his 7-year-old son, Stefan, was winning the title at his debut tournament at a club in the Serbian capital of Belgrade.
From New York Times ● May 15, 2022
Henry referred to the incident in a tweet by thanking the bishop of Gonaïves for having held the mass “despite the tense situation that was prevailing in the city.”
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 3, 2022
In New Jersey, the opposition was prevailing on a question of whether to expand sports betting to include college games that take place in the state or involve New Jersey colleges.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2021
Martial law was prevailing, and they seemed to think we were a posse deputized to assist in restoring order.
From Ranching, Sport and Travel by Thomas Carson
