- 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The adjective prevailing refers to that which has superseded others in its presence: prevailing fashion.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.
For now, the imperative to boost inventories will be the prevailing, and more powerful, impulse.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 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
These days, the prevailing style of curmudgeonry is either nakedly bigoted or, like this one, an extended straw-man argument recast as a bold, brand-new revelation: Heterosexuality is good?
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026
"A single house member going against the president of the US and prevailing?" said Grayson.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
She rode the prevailing wind over the familiar mountains and rivers and beyond the Catskills into unknown territory.
From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
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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