prevalent

/ˈpɹɛvələnt/adjective

Happening often or existing in many places; common.

Example sentences

“Colds are especially prevalent during the winter months.”
“Skin cancer is more prevalent in sunny countries.”

Usually comes after the verb rather than before a noun: 'the disease is prevalent in the region'. A formal cousin of 'widespread'.

Featured as word of the day on March 18, 2026.

Synonyms for prevalent

widespread
common
pervasive
prevailing
rife

Antonyms

rare
uncommon

Related words

predominantFound most often or most widely; more common than anything else.priceThe amount of money needed to buy or obtain something.prevailTo be the strongest, most common, or most influential; to win out over others.primalBasic and instinctive, coming from a deep, natural part of human or animal nature rather than from thought.pretentiousTrying to appear more impressive, important, or cultured than one really is.principalThe person in charge of a school, especially an elementary, middle, or high school.