prize 1 of 4

prize

2 of 4

adjective

prize

3 of 4

verb (1)

1
2
as in to pull
to raise, move, or pull apart with or as if with a lever trying to prize apart the jammed gears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prize

4 of 4

verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prize differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prize are booty, loot, plunder, spoils, and spoil. While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy.

the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea

Where would booty be a reasonable alternative to prize?

The meanings of booty and prize largely overlap; however, booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates.

thieves dividing up their booty

When would loot be a good substitute for prize?

While the synonyms loot and prize are close in meaning, loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe.

picked through the ruins for loot

When might plunder be a better fit than prize?

Although the words plunder and prize have much in common, plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling.

a bootlegger's plunder

How do spoil and spoils relate to one another, in the sense of prize?

Spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest.

the spoils of political victory

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prize
Noun
Winners have 180 days from the draw date to claim prizes and are encouraged to sign the back of their tickets, lottery officials said. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025 In a clip shared to the game show’s YouTube account Friday, Jan. 17, Seacrest, 50, seemed stumped as to how one woman won a $50,000 prize in record time with virtually no clues during a bonus round. Angel Saunders, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Wendy saves the fish cheeks, the most tender and prized part, for her grandchildren. Elyse Inamine, Bon Appétit, 17 Jan. 2025 Trump’s main agency nominees, for example, share his disregard for the community’s output and prize political loyalty. Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Italy has long been a tourist haven, renowned for its enchanting landscapes, historical treasures, and culinary delights.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Sift through treasures and trinkets Porcelain figurines, vintage Christmas decorations and old records occupy neighboring storefronts along Rue St. Paul, in the antiques district.
    Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • What's Next As the draw nearer, with the ceremony scheduled for March 3, fans praised Chalamet for his performance on SNL as part of his campaign to win the award this year after being nominated for his role in the Bob Dylan biopic.
    Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
  • After the compilation video, Chalamet was set to practice an acceptance speech — only to be interrupted by SNL cast member Kenan Thompson, who humorously took the faux award for himself.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Kansas City’s secondary is also excellent at tackling and does a good job of limiting explosive runs.
    Ted Nguyen, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Both teams are excellent at converting third downs.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Maybe there’s a hidden Zion Williamson gem somewhere in this mess.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • But one hidden gem remains largely overlooked by most travelers: the Corinth Canal.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Her accolades include the Super Lawyers Rising Star Award annually since 2018, the Women in Law Award, and the Titan Silver Award for Business of the Year.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025
  • By the second edition of our awards — which saw a stunning six of our accolades go to the cast and crew of Chad Stahelski’s John Wick: Chapter 4 — the Oscars still lacked a Best Stunt category.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Rams Saquon Barkley continues to make history with one of the greatest seasons ever Jan. 19, 2025 After the Eagles’ first possession, which ended with a long touchdown run by quarterback Jalen Hurts, the stadium video board featured a shot of Verse, who was loudly booed.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Gutekunst said Wyatt was the team’s best interior pass rusher, which is good for him but not great for fellow defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who makes more than $21 million per year.
    Matt Schneidman, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This Mediterranean jewel—shaped by ancient mythology and the birthplace of democracy—is counted among the top destinations to visit in the world for countless reasons, from its complex history and distinct culture to its natural beauty and traditional fresh cuisine.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Now, a Monday memo from the NIH’s acting director has provided some clarity amidst the uncertainty: The NIH, the crown jewel of American scientific research, would continue to perform its primary functions, including clinical trials and life-saving medical research.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Away from the bottle-poppers of Mykonos, but hardly removed from the season’s social buzz, the white-washed, flat-roofed villas that wrap the cliffs of Santorini are wonderful places to while away a summer.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The melty cheese and crispy bread are a wonderful combination.
    Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near prize

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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