prestige

Definition of prestigenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prestige distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of prestige are authority, credit, influence, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When would authority be a good substitute for prestige?

While the synonyms authority and prestige are close in meaning, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When is credit a more appropriate choice than prestige?

In some situations, the words credit and prestige are roughly equivalent. However, credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would influence be a reasonable alternative to prestige?

While in some cases nearly identical to prestige, influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

In what contexts can weight take the place of prestige?

Although the words weight and prestige have much in common, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

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 prestige But the medium’s prestige was still a distant second to cinema’s. David Faris, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026 In the 2000s, some private institutions began establishing international outposts to cash in on global demand for their prestige. Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 In heraldry, there needs to be both metal and nonmetal colors represented for prestige. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026 In addition to a higher level of prestige, FBS-level universities generate more revenue via lucrative TV deals than their FCS counterparts. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • This is especially relevant for physically active individuals, older adults, and those recovering from illness or injury—protein needs vary based on many variables, including age, activity level, body composition, health status, and fitness goals.
    Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026
  • May can bring media status, focused ambition, a clear path ahead and plenty of support.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The event is not in Milan or Cortina d’Ampezzo but Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet fame.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Despite his high profile, Dane appeared to try to wear his fame lightly.
    VICTORIA CRAW The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Originally used to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, GLP-1 drugs have achieved a widespread level of popularity and notoriety as weight-loss medicines over the past half-decade.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Greene gained notoriety as a staunch Trump supporter in Congress and was often under fire for polarizing comments and conspiratorial beliefs.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Deeply respected in the Hungarian art world, Maurer spent more than six decades working across printmaking, film, photography, performance, and painting before finally gaining international renown in the early 2010s.
    News Desk, Artforum, 22 Feb. 2026
  • As a state lawmaker, Kifowit won renown for her brave willingness to stand up against former House Speaker-now-felon Michael Madigan, going so far as to challenge him for speaker in 2020.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Colón rose to prominence as a teenager and eventually became one of Fania Records' flagship artists.
    Angelica Grullon, ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The pair rose to prominence with the Grey in Savannah, where Bailey won the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, the foundation’s top national honor for an individual chef.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • It was designed to be upgraded over time, demonstrating its long-term investment value.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
  • With each plaintiff loss, the value of future cases could decline, McNally said.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Literacy screenings are not typically conducted in medical settings, but several prominent pediatric care centers, including Boston Children’s Hospital, promote early literacy resources to families in recognition of reading’s importance for a child’s development.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The importance of Eglin Air Force Base and the broader military presence in Northwest Florida cannot be overstated.
    Shane Weddle, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest marks an irrevocable downturn in the royal family’s stature.
    Tim Stanley, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The earliest versions were made to each client’s specifications—Warner’s were a bit smaller than average, for example, to better suit the exec’s shorter stature.
    Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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