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

Examples 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
Subway signing Baseball’s biggest free agent prize is heading to the New York Mets, according to multiple reports. Jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024 Having one of the leading designers in the country—who was awarded the LVMH prize and has collaborated with Dior—invest in Johannesburg shows fresh confidence in a city that’s often deeply misunderstood. Mary Holland, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
Indiana limestone is prized for its refinement and durability—a fitting choice, then as today, for The Frick Collection in New York City. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 6 Dec. 2024 Before Kraftwerk, rock prized the idea of soul above all else; Autobahn was proudly inorganic music that nonetheless dealt with deeply human issues, reflecting technology’s capacity to simultaneously liberate and alienate. Spin Staff, SPIN, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Madrid’s cultural treasures stand toe-to-toe with the City of Lights and London and Rome and Amsterdam, but its tourist crowds are only a fraction of those places.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The film opens in November 2021 as 26 royal treasures from the former Kingdom are about to leave Paris to return to their country of origin.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This becomes even more evident from the haul of awards Hunter has picked up.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The wide receiver and lockdown cornerback dominated on both sides of the ball for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, joining late running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994 as the only players in school history to take home college football’s most prestigious individual award.
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The excellent Shailene Woodley pulls off the toughest assignment as the prophetic (or mentally ill) daughter, but Zachary Qunto, Rebecca Henderson and Christopher Sears all forge empathetic beasts.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Develop Mobile Apps Another excellent and popular idea to build passive income is app creation.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • New perk: Easily find new routes and hidden gems, upcoming running events, and more near you.
    Miyo McGinn, Outside Online, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The Noble South This downtown gem has been serving elevated farm-to-table cuisine for a decade.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Bills know that Allen is playing the best football of his career, with the likely league accolades to follow.
    Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • According to Gastineau, Favre took a dive on the record-breaking play, ultimately handing Michael Strahan the accolade.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Poor air quality from wildfires, vehicle exhaust, factories, and other sources takes a toll on lung health—but mounting research suggests that breathing unhealthy air can also put people at a greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The two front runners have a great shot at taking home the trophy in Hunter and Jeanty.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • But here in Florida, pickleball is the crown jewel.
    Sarah Handel, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Other items on view include a prototype of a necklace made for Elizabeth Taylor to wear in the film Cleopatra (1963) and a variety of Cartier jewels.
    Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prize

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prize

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