Prevail: meaning, example and synonyms

Prevailv. To prove more powerful or win out; also, to be widespread or current.

Flashcard for Prevail (verb): to prove more powerful or win out; also, to be widespread or current. Example: Although the proposal faced fierce opposition at first, the council's more cautious members eventually prevailed, and construction was delayed. Synonyms: triumph, win, succeed, predominate. Antonyms: lose, fail, yield, succumb. Memory tip: pre ("before") + vail ("strong"): strong enough to come out in front. Illustration: a small sailboat sailing steadily through a storm toward calm sunny water.

Example

Although the proposal faced fierce opposition at first, the council's more cautious members eventually prevailed, and construction was delayed.

Part of speech
verb
Synonyms
triumph, win, succeed, predominate
Antonyms
lose, fail, yield, succumb
Memory tip
pre ("before") + vail ("strong"): strong enough to come out in front.

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Check yourself: Prevail in context

Pick the word that best completes each text, as on the SAT's words-in-context questions.

Question 1

Despite a late surge from the visiting team, the home side ______ by a single point in the final seconds.

Question 2

In the town council's long debate over the park, the view that the old trees should be protected eventually ______, and the parking lot plan was abandoned.

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