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 Yes, Venice provides a glamorous, high-profile red carpet, a heady dose of prestige with its long and glittering history, and a Golden Lion win can sometimes pave the way to a best-picture Oscar. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Aug. 2026 Even before the war, the country had already developed a large legal profession, sophisticated corporate firms, and distinctive constitutional institutions, although European legal systems retained greater intellectual prestige. Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026 His decision to make AlphaFold widely available at no cost had reportedly caused friction inside Google, where the breakthrough brought prestige but little direct revenue. Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026 Baker has been using these bath towels for the last year and can vet for their budget-friendly prestige. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • The fees for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali total over £400m, with that quartet leaving behind talismanic status at their old sides to chase silverware at the traditional ‘Big Six’ teams.
    George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Manley, though, was more circumspect about Wasserman Schultz’s status as the favorite.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That was the evening Hilton, who rose to fame in the early 2000s as a celebrity gossip blogger, appeared to engage in self-harm during a livestream.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In Pattinson’s case, his latest entries in the internet hall of fame also reflect how his online status has changed across his career, from a position of mockery to the widespread adoration on display today in numerous viral fan edits.
    David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Still, nearly two years after Mangione’s shooting set off a far-reaching conversation about the healthcare industry and political violence and garnered him global notoriety, Karen Agnifilo’s own announcement to the judge landed with real gravity.
    Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026
  • As for whether the notoriety felt scary or overwhelming at any point, Cooper credited his mom for looking after him.
    Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Early shows from talents who went on to widespread renown got preference, as did underexposed perspectives and anything that stretched or experimented with the episodic medium.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Still, only one person became a celluloid legend from Universal’s gambit — and that person wasn’t Carlos Villarias, who outlived Lugosi by two decades yet never achieved anything like the same renown.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Totality also brought glimpses of pinkish-red prominences—fountains of plasma arcing above the sun’s surface, dancing at the moon’s edge.
    Claire Cameron & Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But the prominence accorded to Hiroshima has unintentionally obscured the event that helped force Japan’s surrender.
    James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said keeping gas prices low and ensuring Iran never gets a hold of a nuclear weapon are of equal importance to the president.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Getting losses down is of paramount importance to those clubs further down the pyramid, where Premier League riches are so far out of reach as to be a pipe dream.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Haaland was one of the top scorers and most charismatic players at the World Cup held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, and his imposing stature and goofy sense of humor sparked a wave of creative viral videos and memes.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In another part of the video, shot from a different angle, he is seen on the other side of the truck, screaming profanities as another person, much smaller in stature, walks up with a child and is seen putting things inside the pickup truck.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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