Definitions

prevailing

[pri-vey-ling] / prɪˈveɪ lɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

general, dominant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

current predominant prevalent rampant universal usual

STRONG

established predominating preponderating ruling set steady sweeping

WEAK

all-embracing by the numbers catholic common comprehensive customary ecumenical familiar fashionable in style in vogue influential main operative ordinary popular principal regnant regular rife widespread worldwide

Antonyms

STRONGEST

limited uncommon

STRONG

unfixed

WEAK

individual minor peculiar private unimportant

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The adjective prevailing refers to that which has superseded others in its presence: prevailing fashion.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.

In fact, the prevailing view has been that manganese weakens it.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

That seems to be the prevailing attitude: It's better to remain in dialogue with one another than to foster further divisions.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

And though clearly on the side of forgiveness and compassion, Tanaka is also fully aware of her nation’s prevailing hypocrisy, which accounts for the film’s fittingly ambiguous ending.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

“The prevailing dynamic is that any dip eventually gets bought,” O’Regan said in written commentary.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

He believed that the prevailing religions of his time were evil and that neither immortal souls nor immortal gods exist: “Nothing exists, but atoms and the void.”

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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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