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
  • Their status as potential championship contenders is a question mark, but the presence of Antetokounmpo would likely erase that.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Judge Lewis Liman moved the trial date on Tuesday at a discovery status hearing where attorneys were present, both sources said, adding that the date was moved to accommodate other criminal cases on the docket, which the judge said take precedent.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The longtime actor began working in Hollywood in the late 1970s and slowly rose to fame following his role in ER.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
  • Guesting on keyboards will be local boy Josh Kantor, who went to Brandeis with Victor and was a fan before finding fame as the Fenway Park organist.
    Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Penned by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use their criminal notoriety to find fame in the Vaudeville circuit.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • The notoriety has tripled business for the store, which offers a wide range of services including magical advice, custom spell crafting, psychic readings, healing sessions, classes, events, clergy services, ceremonies and more.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Fosdick had acquired renown as the author of a series of devotional books on prayer, faith, and service.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • In Minnesota, where ice is practically a birthright, one team has skated its way to national prominence.
    Derek James, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Ruiz rose to prominence thanks to the millions of dollars his company, at the time known as LifeWallet, spent to endorse University of Miami student athletes through name, image and likeness, or NIL, deals, which became legal in 2021.
    Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 8 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The sweeping changes will reflect Britain’s values, helping to protect children online while pushing back against the power of big technology companies, Starmer told a press conference.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • On a busy port-intensive Mediterranean itinerary, having an easy, informal place for breakfast, lunch or a late snack adds real value.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • As large-jet traffic became standard, O’Hare’s importance increased because Midway’s shorter runways limited its ability to accommodate bigger planes.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 June 2026
  • While social media influencers push testosterone treatments, specialists stress the importance of sleep, exercise, mental healthcare and strong relationships.
    Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • When Aston Villa supporters reflect on the growing stature of their club, many like to compare the euphoria with the dark and depressing times of the recent past.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Others, like Vahdat, are rising in stature.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prestige

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster