Definition of prizenext

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
Anduril also won an additional $1 million prize from Lockheed Martin for providing the fastest wildfire detection capability. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026 Re-creating the Herculaneum scrolls To date, one entire scroll and passages from others have been deciphered, largely thanks to the Vesuvius Challenge, a project launched in 2023 that encourages researchers to decode scrolls for cash prizes. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
Monkeys, tigers, exotic birds destined for the pet trade or as trophies, reptiles and sea cucumbers prized for food and medicine all pass through the region's airports and border crossings, according to officials with the network. — John Donegan Long Beach Post, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026 Santoku knives are great for a large variety of tasks, and are often prized for their daily use for things like slicing cheese, cutting an apple, breaking down an onion, or chopping herbs. — Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • The treasure is now on public display at the nearby LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn.
    — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Between the waves, locals can be seen taking lungfuls of air before diving under the surface to search for sea cucumbers or perhaps another haul of 9th-century Tang treasure like the one found in 1998.
    — Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Taylor Swift gave an emotional speech while accepting the award for Video of the Year at the MTV VMAs on September 27.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Luckily, Swift accepted her award before showing everybody the video, because there was a good chance the awards body might have changed its mind.
    — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The backstory Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005 on the site of the old Desert Inn, with Encore following in 2008; the big move was pulling spectacle inside instead of giving it away free at the curb.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Swift pulled from a few melodramatic thrillers throughout the years.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The deal values the Caribbean resort chain at $6 billion and is expected to boost growth for both companies, according to CNBC.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The household also reported three cash accounts, including one worth more than $1 million, and bitcoin valued at between roughly $16,000 and $65,000.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The process yielded one-of-a-kind designs, often incorporating unusual gem cuts, such as raw sapphires, in pieces that take on particular significance for the wearer.
    — Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • While Boone and Blowing Rock often attract most of the fall season crowds, just down the road lies Banner Elk, a hidden gem in the North Carolina mountains.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The project in development is being produced by Anita Hyppönen, recipient as well of the Connecting Cottbus Producers Exchange accolade.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In receiving the award, Arjona joins a rich roster of talents, including actress Maude Apatow who was bestowed with the accolade last year.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, the community of around 30,000 is home to a walkable, historic downtown populated with local boutiques and businesses; a legendary theatre; and lots of great restaurants.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Apple Apple's done great work to promote its Music streaming service by showcasing fantastic artists over the years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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