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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pervasive
In my view, Spence’s writings are evidence that the concept of basic income is a response to pervasive dispossession.
—
Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Both historians explain that the latest discovery is a reminder of how recent the terror and bombings were — and how pervasive the KKK was in every aspect of American society.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people’s interactions with chatbots.
—Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The #ChurchToo and #SilenceIsNotSpiritual movements, along with scandals at Willow Creek and the International House of Prayer, reveal a pervasive pattern of abuse and denial.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Will Glovinsky, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Both historians explain that the latest discovery is a reminder of how recent the terror and bombings were — and how pervasive the KKK was in every aspect of American society.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 30 Mar. 2026
The study found that a technological flaw already tied to some high-profile cases of delusional and suicidal behavior in vulnerable populations is also pervasive across a wide range of people’s interactions with chatbots.
—Matt O'Brien, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
The #ChurchToo and #SilenceIsNotSpiritual movements, along with scandals at Willow Creek and the International House of Prayer, reveal a pervasive pattern of abuse and denial.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pervasive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervasive
Adjective
-
Hours earlier, Israeli police had blocked the top Catholic leader in Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, drawing widespread criticism from Western leaders and diplomats.—
Peter Weber,
TheWeek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Species like Aspergillus thrive in warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions, and widespread use of azole compounds in agriculture and medicine is driving drug resistance.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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As part of a two-question ballot measure, the Hickman Mills School District is asking voters to approve a general obligation bond to pay down the district’s debt.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
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But there is some risk the city will need to increase its general fund contribution in the new fiscal year because there are expected to be cuts to state funding.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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While the data show overall birth outcomes improving — declining rates of prematurity, low birth weight, and infant mortality — disparities are still prevalent, particularly for Black women.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
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Currently, scientists must predict which strains of flu virus will be prevalent in the coming season months in advance.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The birding site notes that hummingbirds migrate alone, often following familiar paths, and can travel up to 500 miles at a time at speeds of 20 to 30 mph.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Bogen says the pattern is familiar from older Internet platforms, where small behavioral cues became signals that shaped what users saw and how they were categorized.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
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Harvesting seed nearby is a way to get plants that are genetically adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions and are more likely to thrive.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pervasive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervasive. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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