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
  • Before Game 4, Knicks owner James Dolan decided to go into a PR war with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, bickering over the status of the watch party that had become a staple outside the Garden in earlier rounds.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Qatar was not ready for the world’s most prominent sporting stage four years ago, having only qualified for the World Cup thanks to its status as the host nation, after spending the previous 70 years as an afterthought – or even a non-entity – in the soccer world.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • For all of its massive successes, and for all of the fame, money, and love generated by this Broadway juggernaut, 125 years later the biggest lasting impact of Florodora is this spicy and fruity little cocktail, created for one particular girl in a particularly imperious mood.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 13 June 2026
  • While leading an intimate Zumba class at SXSW in London on June 2, the singer, 51, who rose to fame as Scary Spice in the popular group, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE about her love of dancing for health and fitness.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Created in the early 1970s by Kander, Ebb and Fosse and based on the 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago follows killers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use their criminal notoriety to find fame in the Vaudeville circuit.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
  • Benn Jordan may have initially gained notoriety for his music as Flashbulb and later, reviewing synths and effects pedals on YouTube under Benn and Gear.
    Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Gorkhali Kitchen has enjoyed greater renown since making the Florida Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand roster in 2023, a distinction that highlights restaurants serving high-quality food at great value.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • Shakira will be joined by the Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance troupe that rose to prominence following appearances on America’s Got Talent in 2024.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 12 June 2026
  • Its $165 billion merger with Time Warner in 2001 is considered the peak of the dotcom boom, and ultimately, of AOL’s relevance—within a few years the merger began to unravel, and a new generation of Web companies including Google and social networking services rose to prominence.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Sneaking the scraps out the back door for their children showed that those working in the enslaver’s home gave value and meaning to leftovers for our children.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Expect temperatures to climb into the low 90s, with a heat index or feels-like value in the upper 90s by the afternoon.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized its historical importance during remarks at the site.
    Maddie White, CBS News, 10 June 2026
  • Moszkowicz added further points to underscore the festival’s importance.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Raised by a single mom in upstate New York, Adams had to rely on sheer determination to overcome plenty of obstacles — like his small stature and lack of goalscoring touch — on his path to professional soccer.
    Russell Lewis, NPR, 12 June 2026
  • The Allmans carried on, with the post-Duane Brothers and Sisters album propelling them to genuine superstar stature.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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