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
  • As of Thursday morning, the government had filed charging documents in 10 of the 28 cases, offering additional details about how authorities relied on voter registration data to pursue broader criminal charges around immigration status.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Before digging into that, the interface looks a lot like macOS, with an app drawer at the bottom of the screen with a search function and a status bar at the top with app-level options, time, battery, notifications, and connectivity controls.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Having survived World War II as a child and later found global fame as an actress, Audrey was attracted to Switzerland for the peace and privacy the country offered.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Collin, one of the sextuplets who rose to fame alongside his parents and siblings, said children should not have to clearly articulate their distress before the adults around them recognize something is wrong.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Social media has intensified these dynamics, spreading images of violence, wealth, weapons and notoriety far beyond the neighborhoods and front lines where gangs and armed groups operate.
    — Charles Wratto, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Part of Kardashian’s notoriety in the early days of her fame was in part due to her exaggerated curves.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Despite that, Evelyn, Geraldine and Mildred Gay never achieved the same renown as peers like Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 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
  • Our fashion choices say much about our values, identity, and aspirations.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Cesar-Nuñez, whose practice is based in Pasadena, noted that traditional Latino cultural values like emphasis on family and reputation can serve as deterrents for seeking therapy or other help.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That refusal does not bode well for their ability to impartially decide matters involving this administration, and underscores the importance of the Senate’s confirmation power.
    — James Speyer, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Innovation is nurtured from top to bottom by giving it the same importance as day-to-day operations.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • More than 400 events occur annually at the hotel, which opened in 1926, and the operators boast that the Biltmore manages a balancing act of maintaining its historic stature while keeping pace with guests’ changing demands.
    — Bob Helbig, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • While critics say such efforts might potentially aid Putin’s bid for sanctions relief, the paper’s former editor and his international stature apparently could not shield the acclaimed newspaper from Russia’s machinery of repression.
    — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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