prestige

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 And its prestige image started to fade as snazzy new Chinese EV makers emerged and Tesla’s lineup needed a refresher (a new, roomier six-seater Model Y had a successful launch in August). Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 And China is building up its own power and prestige within existing institutions, seeking to shift their centers of gravity irrevocably toward Beijing. Jeffrey Prescott, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025 All that prestige hype matches the film’s uniquely ornate theatrical rollout, which includes Imax and other premium large-formats. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025 Today, the English language and a Western education are fading as symbols of prestige. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • Chicago has recently become the focus of federal attention, as ICE has conducted a series of operations targeting individuals without legal status.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • But behind the glittering resume was a reality defined by her immigration status.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • George said George Clooney has no qualms about finding fame later in life — in part thanks to his aunt, the late Rosemary Clooney.
    Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • And while figuring out how to deal with fame was tough, Gaga admitted that the more difficult conflict ultimately turned out to be that between Gaga and Stefani.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His appearances on Kill Tony, a podcast hosted by the comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, helped raise his profile; the show has achieved both a huge listenership and notoriety for its crude, taboo-busting sensibility.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
  • There is no other rapper in the past decade who has combined genuine fame with parasocial notoriety quite like YoungBoy.
    Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With the international renown of the kidnap and the constant pressure from Catriona’s father, Sir Broderick Grant (James Cosmo), the team take on the biggest challenge of their careers to date.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In a statement, McAnuff said he’s honored to join the university’s theater department because of its growing renown.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • While a university panel ultimately concluded there was no ongoing problem in the department, the incident gained national prominence and prompted Columbia to revise its process for reviewing complaints against faculty.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The company decreased total water use across its operations and value chain by 32 percent from its fiscal 2020 baseline.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Stewardship speaking, the organization’s total water usage, across its operations and value chain, dropped 32 percent against the 2020 baseline—some 12 percent above and beyond the 20 percent reduction goal.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Opinion journalism, at its best, helps people think more deeply about issues of local importance.
    Indianapolis Star, IndyStar, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Throughout the song’s undulating, fluid melodies, Kali and Mariah trade verses about the importance of loyalty in love, all while maintaining their own otherworldly vocals in the process.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The folks in charge think Gabriel’s brains, accuracy and ability to process under fire give him a chance to overcome his 5-foot-11 stature.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Despite her small stature, Toya is a somewhat dramatic personality, being the tamer and handler for Kylre, a huge and dangerous Devil Toad.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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