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 Ducati is often referred to as the Ferrari of motorcycles with its prestige, Italian heritage, signature red styling — and speed. Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 23 Mar. 2026 Last fall saw the meltdown of several prestige titles including Smashing Machine, Kiss of the Spider-Woman and Anemone failing. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026 Several exclusive, bespoke massage treatments feature a handmade oil blend native to Kyoto, and facials use Japanese prestige skincare brand The Ginza. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026 There was a shift in television then, which was to prestige premium cable and dark dramedies. Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • At twenty-five cents a pack, they were considered a medium-status brand, still a splurge for most people in China.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Fort Lauderdale police have not yet responded to CBS News Miami's request for an update on the case or the status of the Audi driver.
    Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Though the tension is supercharged by the Kennedy name and the characters’ mutual fame, the fight itself resembles any ordinary couple bickering about their in-laws and lost spark.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Leigh suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder, and her mental health was exacerbated by a 1940s miscarriage and Olivier’s rising fame.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • All have been around for a spell, achieving venerable notoriety in their respective cities.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Joe Exotic, who gained notoriety from a 2020 Netflix documentary, was convicted of hiring two men to kill activist Carole Baskin.
    Julian Mark, Washington Post, 30 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
  • Orr hired Campbell away from Oregon, where the coach’s mastery in recruiting helped boost the Ducks to national prominence.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Shah rose to national prominence as Kathmandu’s mayor after winning the post as an independent in 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The median monthly rent and home value are $1,891 and $376,723, respectively.
    Chase Jordan March 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • But Trump’s election proved that a sizable contingent of the population had no problem imposing their values on others—and even hoped that the government might do so for them.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Heat stroke is a serious emergency and time is of the utmost importance when treating it.
    Brad Stulberg, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The more complex the AI workload is, the more RAM is required to host and run the AI model, which makes memory capacity of paramount importance.
    Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Back then, maybe the only thing measurably clear about the then-16-year-old’s stature was his meager weight.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
  • If Kent’s criticism of the war proves prescient, his other beliefs, especially those concerning Jews, will ascend in stature along with it.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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