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 Basketball offers scholarships, prestige and professional opportunities to far more athletes than rugby can. Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 27 July 2026 An overdue veteran with an unforgettable single sequence in a prestige juggernaut is, on paper, precisely what the Academy membership could find irresistible. Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026 The contrast between contemporary commercial fiction and prestige literary fiction makes these efforts especially visible. Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 By this point, Scott had played only two small movies roles, in 2019’s Gully and 2023’s Aggro Dr1ft, neither of which compared to the scale or prestige of the Nolan film. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • One reason for their endangered status is the loss of forests and other habitat, the organization says.
    Phil Helsel, NBC news, 28 July 2026
  • The memorandum from the group, which is a conservative nonprofit that advocates for free speech, also said the DAR was unlikely to be in danger of losing its tax-exempt status by not allowing transgender members.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • The Rattlers are led by coach Cody Lambert, the co-founder of PBR and a memer of several rodeo halls of fame.
    Cal Phillips July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • Swedish fitness toy Boxbollen launched in 2021, gaining viral fame and business success in the years since.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Though largely driven by surging housing prices, increases in food, transportation and childcare costs combined with stagnant local wages to propel Miami into cost-of-living notoriety.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Each fight is scored from one to 10 on those four inputs, weighted most heavily toward notoriety and stakes, then converted into a score out of 100.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Her comedy industry renown may well be down to everyone who goes to work each day knowing successes and struggles, depending on the day.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026
  • Kennedy won renown as an environmental lawyer who spent years fighting corporations over pollution and toxic chemicals.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Kim worried that the prominence of AI in healthcare, education and warfare risks taking human beings out of the loop on our most important decisions.
    Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 July 2026
  • Yet despite the prominence of this issue and conversation, many of the world’s most influential female sports stars have never publicly addressed it.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • In the 1960s, the previous owner reached an agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust, a nonprofit, with the intent of protecting the property's recreational and agricultural value.
    Sooji Nam, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The company has developed partnerships with Equinox, Lifetime, Barry’s Bootcamp, F45 and even the Delta One lounge at JFK to make structured recovery a customer value add.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Most importantly, the bureau has been elevated in importance, and other ministries are now formally required to share their information.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • This month, a gay rights activist obtained the memo outlining the agreement from the Defense Department after filing a lawsuit, arguing that clarity was of public importance.
    Jamie Stengle, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Much of Hart’s appeal lies in his willingness to be the butt of the joke, and there are many here at his expense — thankfully not as many as usual targeting his diminutive stature.
    Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 24 July 2026
  • So, too, is his stature in the locker room, as one of the game’s all-time greats and a player with substantial big-game experience whom most of the Red Wings’ young players grew up admiring.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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