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
According to the California Lottery, not long after Rodriguez celebrated his win, another top prize for the same scratcher game was sold. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The prize was won by a Danbury, CT resident, according to the CT Lottery. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
Verb
Ingredients: The meatballs are made with ground 100% Angus beef, prized for its marbling, plus Parmesan and Romano cheeses, panko, garlic, onion, and a few spices. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 For someone who prizes roadside Americana, this is the visual version of the sad trombone sound. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • While half a dozen of the most popular parks now require reservations just to get in, and others are plagued by bumper-to-bumper traffic between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are still a handful of natural treasures that haven’t (yet) been discovered by the masses.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Of course, Grandma’s garden was always hiding more treasures.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • For the 51st installment of the awards show, stars descended on Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day to celebrate the biggest names in music, and brought their fashion A-game on the 99-degree day.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Also vying for the Artist of the Year award are Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • During informational interviews, asking for ideas of great places to keep an eye on is an excellent way to add to your list.
    Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Give your wooden nickel to the mixologist, take your pick between La Babia, an excellent margarita, or Three Emmas, grab a book off the shelf, and take a seat.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Have a suggestion for a great hidden dining gem in your neighborhood?
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • Across from the sprawling greenery of Hampstead Heath and standing in bold contrast to the more traditional homes nearby, Schreiber House quietly holds its place as one of London’s more unusual architectural gems.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Filmed at the legendary actor's Malibu home, the video features footage of Van Dyke's many accolades and awards, sweet clips of him and his extended family, and emotional moments of reflection.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • Sporting some of the world’s highest difficulty on floor and beam, 2025 could be the year for Roberson to capture individual accolades.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The future of Hollywood depends on whether the industry recognizes that its greatest asset isn’t its distribution technology but its storytellers.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • The scene, staged at Carnegie Hall, a venue built by one of America’s great 19th century philanthropists, paid tribute to a long tradition of American giving, while pointing to new ways of thinking that are shaping the 21st century.
    Sam Jacobs, Time, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • This past weekend featured the crown jewel of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) annual slate, the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • The jewel of the home, a heated pool for swimming laps in the mornings, is located at the center of the inner courtyard, while the rooftop terrace offers an accommodating space for dining and lounging while taking in the city views.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • Your wonderful dog may or may not hanker to break routine and go on holiday.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 31 May. 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!