prevalence

noun

prev·​a·​lence ˈpre-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
ˈprev-lən(t)s
Synonyms of prevalence
1
: the quality or state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Synonyms of prevalence

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Examples of prevalence in a Sentence

the prevalence of rumors when hard information is withheld from the public
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the prevalence of anti-trans ads, Democratic campaigns are responding in different ways. — Dorian Rhea Debussy, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 However, as Mariska Hargitay notes, the story was written far ahead of the current events, and instead is meant to speak to the prevalence of rape victims struggling to find justice. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Obesity prevalence in this age group quadrupled since 1990, rising from 2% to 8%. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 But these trends of a shift from vaping to smoking as a cessation tool are less about changes in smoking prevalence, and more about a public health messaging failure that could have lasting consequences, experts warn. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prevalence

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prevalence was in 1682

Rhymes for prevalence

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Browse Nearby Words

Préval
prevalence
prevalent
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Cite this Entry

“Prevalence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prevalence. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
1
: the state of being prevalent
2
: the degree to which something is prevalent
especially : the part of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time

Medical Definition

prevalence

noun
prev·​a·​lence ˈprev(-ə)-lən(t)s How to pronounce prevalence (audio)
: the percentage of a population that is affected with a particular disease at a given time compare incidence sense 2b

More from Merriam-Webster on prevalence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prevalence

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