pervasive

adjective

Pronunciation: /pərˈveɪsɪv/

Definition

Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people, often used to describe something unwelcome or influential.

Examples

• The pervasive influence of social media has changed how teenagers interact with their peers.

• Corruption became so pervasive in the local government that citizens stopped trusting public officials.

• A pervasive sense of unease settled over the crowd as the storm clouds gathered.

Synonyms of pervasive

Words with a similar meaning to pervasive:

• widespread
• common
• prevalent
• rife
• ubiquitous

Antonyms of pervasive

Words with the opposite meaning to pervasive:

• rare
• scarce

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