prevail

To prove stronger or more powerful than others and succeed.

• In the end, justice prevailed.
• Their team prevailed over its strongest rival.
• Will reason prevail despite all this anger?

How to use it: prevail over someone/something (Their determination prevailed over every obstacle.); prevail against someone/something (The smaller army prevailed against a much larger force.)

Similar words: win, triumph, win out

Opposites: lose, fail

Common phrases: prevail over someone, justice will prevail, reason must prevail

To be common or widespread in a place or at a particular time.

• Dry conditions prevail across the region.
• Such customs prevailed here for centuries.
• A mood of uncertainty now prevails among investors.

How to use it: prevail in something (Similar attitudes prevail in many small towns.); prevail among someone (That belief still prevails among older residents.)

Similar words: be widespread, predominate

Common phrases: prevail in society, prevail throughout something, conditions that prevail

To successfully persuade someone to do something.

• I prevailed on him to stay.
• They finally prevailed upon their parents to visit.
• Could you prevail on her to change her mind?

How to use it: prevail on someone to do something (We prevailed on her to join us.); prevail upon someone to do something (He prevailed upon his brother to lend him the car.)

Similar words: persuade, induce

Common phrases: prevail on someone, prevail upon someone