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
The $2 million prize was just one of several huge Mega Millions prizes sold in Arizona this year, including a $112 million jackpot prize from January. Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 15 Oct. 2025 How many Powerball numbers are needed to win a prize? Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
Mostly, though, the shells were prized for their unique beauty. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025 The tree's wood is prized for making furniture and other items. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Its proximity to Olympic National Park makes for a great base for day trips to explore rainforests, beaches, mountains and other backcountry treasures.
    Noreen Kompanik, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The boutique will include handmade must haves, one-of-a-kind treasures and great gift ideas, as well as quilts for all ages, holiday items, children’s toys, lovely home décor, planters and unique household goods to name a few.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Diane Brady is an award-winning business journalist and author who has interviewed newsmakers worldwide and often speaks about the global business landscape.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Now, both Mahomes and the Chiefs are considered the favorites to win the NFL's two most coveted awards.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Steelers will have an opportunity to get back on track against an excellent Green Bay Packers squad next Sunday, before playing the Indianapolis Colts two days before the NFL trade deadline.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That’s because tipping isn’t in their culture, but Americans still might wish to add gratuity for excellent service.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Astronomically, one of the best celestial gems in the traditional constellation Andromeda is the Andromeda Galaxy, otherwise known as Messier object 31.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time, with rows of vintage treasures alongside new releases and hard-to-find gems.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sweeney’s performance earned her an acting accolade at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.
    Sarah Jones, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Messi has more than just individual accolades at stake on Saturday.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given these complex three-way dynamics, Delhi will likely continue to upgrade ties to the Taliban regime, and support its efforts to gain greater independence from Pakistani influence.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Reese had some great tunes for her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These little jewels also add a beautiful pop of color to dishes her daughter already loves, like yogurt parfaits or oatmeal.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Babylon, in modern Iraq, meanwhile, was the jewel of Mesopotamia and one of the most important cities in antiquity.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • She's been gone for over 20 years, and so to win this for a soap opera, playing a villain, is really wonderful.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Some, like the two headlining Christie’s upcoming Rare Watches auction in Geneva, have wonderful horological anomalies that set them apart from more run-of-the-mill references.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!