- 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The adjective prevailing refers to that which has superseded others in its presence: prevailing fashion.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.
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
Korpatsch refused to shake hands with her opponent after prevailing 6-2 2-6 6-3 in a second-round match overshadowed by lingering tension.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
The prevailing sentiment within the industry is that the market can accommodate multiple winners.
From Barron's • May 27, 2026
Grant recipients will have to pay union-scale prevailing wages, which will raise costs.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
The system functioned relatively automatically, and the prevailing system of racial meanings, identities, and ideologies already seemed natural.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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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