1
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the prime strategist in the senator's presidential campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind
owns a thousand acres of prime farmland
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bloom
a state or time of great activity, thriving, or achievement
in the prime of her life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
chose the prime of the litter of pups
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to ground
Related Words
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 prime
Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025
These brief contrasts can prime the body and mind so the main effort feels less like a threat and more like progress.
—Dayanne S. Antonio, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2025
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The daughter is the prime antagonist.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Fox, who just signed a maximum contract extension after arriving in a midseason trade with the Sacramento Kings, turns 28 this season and will be at the end of his prime when Wembanyama approaches his.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prime
Adjective
Having spent his entire life in the shadow of Cody (Brandon Tyler Moore), the far more athletic twin brother primed for combat by their sadistic dad, John (Blake Burt) cuts a far more sympathetic figure.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025
These brief contrasts can prime the body and mind so the main effort feels less like a threat and more like progress.
—Dayanne S. Antonio, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
The idea is to paint Pressed Juicery as the prime destination for a healthy fix.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
The daughter is the prime antagonist.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
He is far removed from his absolute prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Fox, who just signed a maximum contract extension after arriving in a midseason trade with the Sacramento Kings, turns 28 this season and will be at the end of his prime when Wembanyama approaches his.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prime
Adjective
-
Six months after a high-profile arrest and indictment of a judge at the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex, the county's chief judge has yet to issue a formal policy about what leeway federal immigration agents have to operate in the county's halls of justice.—
Vanessa Swales,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
-
At the other end of the spectrum, Macquarie’s chief economist, David Doyle, tells Fortune that while Washington isn’t necessarily shaping its policy because of imminent recessionary fears, policymakers will be keen to maintain growth.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Goals of breeders over those years and continuing on to today include flower count, longer bloom season, cold hardiness, new colors, and flower size.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Budding Brides Next year, brides will not only be carrying their beautiful blooms à la wedding bouquets, but also wearing them.—
Emily Mercer,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Long stretches of The Paseo, Broadway Boulevard and Ward Parkway will close as racers aim to set personal bests, so plan accordingly.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
15 Oct. 2025
-
This was baseball at its October best.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
All accommodations incorporate a mix of custom furnishings and vintage finds that ground the spaces in a traditional European aesthetic, but a playful mix of patterns adds a touch of whimsy.—
Sarah Bruning,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The aircraft remains grounded, and authorities will continue assessing any infrastructure damage, including to power lines and nearby property.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Oppenheim Group's latest agent didn't get off to a great start with fellow soap alum Chrishell Stause.—
Jillian Sederholm,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
-
At great risk, Hamida disguises herself as a khes (a thick cotton cloth) seller and enters the house to plan with Lajo an escape route.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In Möbius strip fashion, Gein grows obsessed with crime — and the toxic blooming of his obsession into murder goes on to enthrall the world.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Division also promotes heavier blooming.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When healthy, Darrisaw has been among the elite left tackles in the NFL.—
Max Dible,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
These ranged from the aristocratic elite who dominated the military and bureaucracy and yearned for a return to monarchy, to communists who sought proletarian rule, to the National Socialists who wanted to establish a right-wing dictatorship.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prime. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share