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 Also a four-time Emmy nominee, Cox is known for starring in Netflix’s prestige series Orange Is the New Black and Inventing Anna, as well as Prime Video’s Clean Slate. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026 Their expertise spans kids, animation, comedy, unscripted, prestige dramas, CBS procedurals and lots of sports. Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 In addition, cues such as success or prestige can lead people to see something as more morally good. Ionela Bara, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026 The prestige beauty shop will replace Ulta Beauty at Target. Melissa Repko, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • The institution weaponized its own status.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Chernyshov traveled with the Sharks to Ottawa late Saturday night, but his status for Sunday’s game against the Senators is unclear.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • More unnerving, though, were similar comments from cooks and fans who haven’t achieved the same levels of fame and success.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Shane hasn’t noticed condescension from Hollywood due to his Internet fame — so most of the doubt comes from himself.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • He was suspected as part of the teenage crew that gained notoriety in January 2025 for breaking into a pair of R trains and moving them at speeds up to 30 mph along a section of express track in Brooklyn.
    Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Kerr, whose father Malcolm was assassinated as president of American University in Beirut, used his name and notoriety as a coach to promote the film.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 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
  • People not attuned to the evangelical world may have missed the growing prominence of hyper-politicized churches such as Mercy Culture, which have become a key wing of the MAGA coalition.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • David Protein, founded in 2024, quickly rose to prominence, with top names in the wellness and longevity space signing on as investors, including Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and podcaster, and Peter Attia, a celebrity doctor and author.
    Natalie Bennett, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That extra compensation was added to the overall pool and doesn’t decrease the overall value of the units.
    Doug Feinberg, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of simply disposing of plastic, this approach upcycles environmental waste into a high-value medical resource, thereby reducing the industry’s ecological footprint while benefiting human health.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores the impact of a holistic understanding of AI on students' learning experiences, with many participants emphasizing the importance of foundational skills before delving into AI.
    Rebecca Winthrop, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Raising this temperature has been of paramount importance to researchers.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How the group landed the gig speaks to its professionalism and stature.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Interestingly, its nearly cube-like design—broken only by the addition of a hood—was a statement of stature that soon made the G-Wagen a status symbol conscripted far more for shopping sorties through Beverly Hills than anything tapping into its all-terrain acumen.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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