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 The prestige of the truly élite colleges will, sadly, not change all that much. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 9 June 2026 The actor broke out with roles in both populist projects (Red, White and Royal Blue) and prestige fare (Mary & George). Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 The job brought prestige, but also a sense of isolation. Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 If Louis’s self-mythology took the form of a prestige-TV period piece, then Lestat’s takes the form of some truly experimental, gonzo TV storytelling. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • The 60 year old leaned into her supermodel status while wearing a plunging black swimsuit.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 June 2026
  • Less clear, however, is the status of Leonard amid the NBA’s investigation into potential salary-cap circumvention by the Clippers regarding Leonard.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The ‘Mexican Wave’ A ritual performed in sporting events around the world today, the wave owes much of its fame to Mexico, even if it may not have been invented here.
    Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • Mark Ronson flexed the elegantly minimal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak designed in collaboration with Matthew Williams of Alyx fame.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Created in the early 1970s by Kander, Ebb and Fosse and based on the 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago follows killers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use their criminal notoriety to find fame in the Vaudeville circuit.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
  • Benn Jordan may have initially gained notoriety for his music as Flashbulb and later, reviewing synths and effects pedals on YouTube under Benn and Gear.
    Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • This partnership between Prada and Axiom Space shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to its industry peers, Lorenzo Bertelli said, given the brand’s renown for the unconventional.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
  • Gorkhali Kitchen has enjoyed greater renown since making the Florida Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand roster in 2023, a distinction that highlights restaurants serving high-quality food at great value.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Its prominence should fade with time, leaving Wilson's decade-long tenure in Seattle as his most important body of work.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 5 June 2026
  • The second, filmed on May 31, 2026, reveals a 'Godzilla'-like prominence looming above the solar surface.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Sneaking the scraps out the back door for their children showed that those working in the enslaver’s home gave value and meaning to leftovers for our children.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Expect temperatures to climb into the low 90s, with a heat index or feels-like value in the upper 90s by the afternoon.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized its historical importance during remarks at the site.
    Maddie White, CBS News, 10 June 2026
  • Moszkowicz added further points to underscore the festival’s importance.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Raised by a single mom in upstate New York, Adams had to rely on sheer determination to overcome plenty of obstacles — like his small stature and lack of goalscoring touch — on his path to professional soccer.
    Russell Lewis, NPR, 12 June 2026
  • The Allmans carried on, with the post-Duane Brothers and Sisters album propelling them to genuine superstar stature.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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