as in widespread
existing in every part of something; spreading to all parts of something
A pervasive smell filled the room. the pervasive nature of the problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pervasive
Indeed, for some kinds of belligerents, the pervasive problem of long wars may provide an important advantage.
—
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
If that were true, then, for instance, the pervasive corruption one sees in countries such as Hungary or Turkey, or things like demonetization in India, all of which looked pretty bad, would have led to big hits in terms of government popularity.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Masochism, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980, is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of self-defeating behavior.
—Judith Joseph, Contributor, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Since then, that image of a glass ceiling sitting at the top of the corporate ladder has become a pervasive symbol of the obstacles that women face when reaching for the top rungs of leadership.
—Kweilin Ellingrud, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
If that were true, then, for instance, the pervasive corruption one sees in countries such as Hungary or Turkey, or things like demonetization in India, all of which looked pretty bad, would have led to big hits in terms of government popularity.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Masochism, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980, is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of self-defeating behavior.
—Judith Joseph, Contributor, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Since then, that image of a glass ceiling sitting at the top of the corporate ladder has become a pervasive symbol of the obstacles that women face when reaching for the top rungs of leadership.
—Kweilin Ellingrud, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
Having heard widespread praise for Marsh around the league, Cardoso was sold by the end of her first phone call with her new coach.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
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With the potential to revolutionize numerous areas of life, these machines are poised to attract widespread attention from investors, corporations, governments and consumers.—
Anton Alikov,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Primaries not needed Spanberger and Earle-Sears can both skip competing in a primary and will instead head straight into the general face-off.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Two days later, general manager Julien BriseBois began his mid-season media session by pointing out how strong the Bolts, victorious in only six of their previous 15 games, were in many key categories.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Outside of California, valley fever is also prevalent in Arizona and some areas of Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Texas, as well as parts of Mexico and Central and South America.—
Susanne Rust,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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As digital payments become prevalent, security is paramount.—
Bindesh Pandey,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to its brand new placements, OVO also returns to a familiar home: the Official Physical Albums chart.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Kaye’s version, if the full title isn’t clear enough, has a familiar outline: First-gen immigrants become parents in the West, hoping their sacrifices will be rewarded with a doctor or lawyer child; child goes another way; conflict ensues.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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