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 Harvard-Westlake has long held prestige as a private high school in Studio City for its academics and athletics. Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 Friedman, best known for his work on economic mobility with the Harvard economist Raj Chetty, has become convinced that the most important thing a student gets from an Ivy Plus education isn’t instruction or prestige or even connections. Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2026 The live-action show is a rather loose adaptation of the original manga, presenting itself as a glossy prestige drama, a bit more serious than its source material. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026 Corrections Redux joins a new prestige drama slate at Netflix, part and parcel of the company’s ongoing attempt to fight it out with Paramount for all the eyeballs in America. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • Clogs are no longer in their comeback era, but planted firmly as staple status.
    Claire West, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • How to track your federal tax refund Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website, the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling 800-829-1954.
    Bailey Allen, Cape Cod Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the years before her Bomb interview, Dupuy-Spencer experienced a meteoric rise to fame.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The hilarious send-up of celebrity drama and the paranoia that can accompany fame is cowritten and directed by Jonah Hill and also stars Cameron Diaz and Matt Bomer.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The separatist group emerged in 1958 in resistance to Franco but gained notoriety for assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings before announcing an end to its armed activity in 2011 and its dissolution in 2018.
    News Desk, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The awards have honored some of the most talented figures in the culinary industry for nearly 40 years, boosting dozens of Windy City figures into notoriety.
    Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The home here is a ramshackle London town house where a famed painter, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), is spending his final years in a haze of creative stagnation and lingering renown.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Vaqueiro, 38, has become the fresh face of Spanish-language news after Jorge Ramos, who achieved prominence as a forceful advocate for Latino immigrants during his 40 years on the air, signed off from rival Univision in late 2024.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Combining this new credibility and image with the growth of prime-time talk shows such as Larry King Live and The Capitol Gang, CNN in the 1990s gained international prominence and strong ratings.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In Ohtani’s case, the deferrals brought the present-day value of his contract down to roughly $461 million.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Their actions are a gut punch to American values and human decency.
    Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Peterson’s tactical approach steeped in reshaping the Hornets by emphasizing player health and development, a team-first culture and the importance of acquiring assets springboarded the Hornets into the national conversation again.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The scout talked about the importance of training to enhance skating and prevent injury but found the emphasis on adding pounds less significant.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Trump has gone far toward shattering what’s left of America’s global stature.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Everything — from food to veterinary care — scales up with the dog’s formidable stature.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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