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 Like every other crime drama with prestige-y aspirations, Nocturne sets its roots in the woods of Pennsylvania, though it’s actually been developed by John Hlavin and created by Rowan Jaffé based on a Swedish novel by Lars Kepler. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 When the purses are real and the day carries prestige, those decisions tip our way. — Tk Kuegler, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026 Chris cut the finale of ‘Lost,’ one of the most watched and debated hours in television history, and his work on ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Mad Men’ helped define prestige television. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026 Another prestige actress, Scarlett Johansson, just saw her skincare brand the Outset shut down—and Johansson never made an Instagram account. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • That person typically has no responsibility to come to a local elections office; ballot status can be found on the Mississippi secretary of state's office website.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The mission’s classified status leaves several technical questions unanswered.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Though for a while, Criterion was considered a filmmaking hall of fame reserved primarily for white male directors.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Raphael Saadiq and Rapsody Raphael Saadiq is a three-time Grammy Award winner who first rose to fame as a member of the R&B group Tony!
    — CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, Avila rose to notoriety during his time at Saint Louis and Indiana State due to his play style and signature goggles.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Nov. 2026
  • That group entices victims into hurting themselves or others for clout and notoriety, Harrington said.
    — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Bellocchio explores how Marchionne’s audacious business moves won him respect and renown on the worldwide stage but at a personal cost, through a financial thriller with deep psychological insight.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Using Raymond’s drawings and his own observations of the boy, Bob created Deafman Glance, a seven-hour silent opera that signaled his European renown.
    — Keith McDermott, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Tigers look like a healthier squad that’s ready to make a push to national prominence during the final stage of the season.
    — PJ Green November 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, in the predawn morning sky, Venus literally vaults into prominence as the month progresses.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Marketing leadership must ensure those opportunities translate into real value.
    — Vlada Grebenykova, Forbes.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 The price may be clear while the value is still up for debate.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Ly said Lennox's journey has shown their family the importance of facing challenges together.
    — Sooji Nam, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The importance of these two enormous natural carbon sinks cannot be overstated as global temperatures rise, fueling heat waves, fires, storms, floods and droughts around the world.
    — Andrew C. Manning, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • With vibe always a major industry player, Sarandos may remain the mayor of the town, but Netflix’s stock and stature has taken a hit over the past year.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Nugget is known for his very small stature, a fur pattern that looks like goggles around his eyes, and a reddish coat that shifts to black later in the summer.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 14 Nov. 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!