- present participle of prevail.
prevailing
Usage
What are other ways to say prevailing?
The adjective prevailing refers to that which has superseded others in its presence: prevailing fashion. That which is prevalent exists or is spread widely: a prevalent idea. That which is current is in general circulation or a matter of common knowledge or acceptance: current usage in English.
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.
The prevailing view has been that U.S. companies are staying in China to tap the country’s consumers.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Although that's one prevailing narrative, the answer is almost certainly no.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
It challenges prevailing power structures and asks people to reconsider their established notions of right and wrong.
From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026
Speaking to fire officials and scientists, the prevailing sentiment is there’s much we don’t know about the fire’s impact and how long recovery will take — or if it will ever even look the same.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
And of course Edison urged the fair to use direct current, DC, the prevailing standard.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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Vocabulary lists containing prevailing
Grade 10, List 3
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Metamorphosis
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On Your Mark, Get Set, Commence Your Life!
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