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
Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 20 July 2025 There will be a costume contest, raffle prizes and a surprise at the end of the crawl. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
Verb
The tombstone is made from Gotland limestone, which was highly prized in the Middle Ages, and the relief depicts a knight sporting chainmail armor and mail leggings, with a sword and a shield. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 It is prized for its eco-friendly credentials, durability, and distinct, textured aesthetic that brings instant warmth and character to a room. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Like La Brea, what began as a commercial enterprise also unearthed scientific and historical treasures.
    Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025
  • Though, they have been known to try to snatch plastic water bottles and other treasures from guests' belongings (seems like fair revenge to me).
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • State officials who spoke to CNN for this story say they were given no explanation for why the awards were reduced or increased this cycle.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • But Ramirez, who co-founded the restaurant with his wife Andreina Matos in December 2020, said the international award has paid off in more immediate ways during a summer when reservations are down and dining rooms were looking a little too empty.
    Connie Ogle July 25, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Beginning in Málaga, the journey winds through Andalucía's cultural gems — Granada, Sevilla and Córdoba — offering golden-hour shoots at iconic sites like La Alhambra and Plaza de España.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2025
  • These three Top 70 Open Championship venues are the anchor and main draw, but there is more great links golf, and my personal favorite hidden gem within this hidden gem destination was Wallasey.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Noun
  • Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
  • Mayer previously ran the Mentors at Cordova High program and was awarded the 2012 Rancho Cordovan of the Year accolade.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Dropping that grenade on the audience with so little time left to feel the impact does Jill little justice, but DeWitt does, in fairness, invest great pathos in her.
    Andy Crump, Time, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • However, the jewel of the hotel is its shimmering heated saltwater pool.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Kardashian's jewels also featured two Lorraine Schwartz necklaces with approximately 250 carats of diamonds.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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