as in persuades
to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests
we prevailed on him to sing in front of all his friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevails (on or upon)
Verb
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Most of the passengers are content to wait for the driver to figure things out, but Folarin persuades a passing truck driver to take him and his sons the rest of the way.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026 -
Capability alone no longer persuades buyers who now want proof of systems that work quietly in the background while results take the center stage.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But Saccharine slips off the rails, especially once Hana convinces Josie that Bertha’s spirit has latched onto her in malevolent ways, growing bigger and stronger all the time.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
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But the feint convinces almost no one, because Newsom is perhaps the least Falstaffian man in wine.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since then, the British government has worked tirelessly to carve out a deal that satisfies Mauritius without losing its defensive foothold.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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There is a profound sadness in the way the ‘good people’ here settle on a version of truth that satisfies their own worldview.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In Fennell’s version, Cathy’s brother is dead by the time her father brings home a selectively mute boy, whom Cathy chooses to name Heathcliff after her deceased brother.—
Becky Little,
Time,
13 Feb. 2026
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Overall, Mayor Castillo brings experience, clarity, and drive to the role.—
Thomas Good,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The bill would still allow Irvine to complain to authorities if a neighbor’s party gets too loud.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
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As the water boils and the microwave interior gets steamy, your kitchen will fill with the soothing smell.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The month of December typically brings around 2 to 3 inches of rain to the region, on average, records show.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
23 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Prevails (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevails%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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