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 But the medium’s prestige was still a distant second to cinema’s. David Faris, TheWeek, 18 Feb. 2026 In the 2000s, some private institutions began establishing international outposts to cash in on global demand for their prestige. Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 In heraldry, there needs to be both metal and nonmetal colors represented for prestige. Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026 In addition to a higher level of prestige, FBS-level universities generate more revenue via lucrative TV deals than their FCS counterparts. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • But Savannah Guthrie's celebrity status has also garnered extensive resources from the federal and local government — including a $100,000 FBI reward for accurate information about her whereabouts or that could lead to an arrest and conviction of whoever took her.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Directed by Pradip Krishen and originally made for Indian state broadcaster Doordarshan, the film is set in a Delhi architecture school in the mid-1970s and has achieved cult status over the decades.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Moment, which had its world premiere at Sundance last month, follows the highs and lows of a popstar’s rise to global fame.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Her fame also meant a lot of people's thoughts ran first to the possibility of kidnapping and ransom as soon as reports that her mother was missing came out.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Alternately embracing and dodging comparisons, the younger Buckley rode the wave of notoriety in the downtown Manhattan scene, securing a recording contract and an army of dedicated followers.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Other likely contenders in 2028 are gaining notoriety by holding the administration accountable in the present.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Choral music remains one of the most moving and timeless performances with global renown.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
  • BabyRace is a kid karting school of such renown that Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries started developing a docuseries about it last year.
    Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement Navalny rose to prominence as an anti-corruption campaigner and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests, becoming a key opponent of President Vladimir Putin.
    Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Person, who first rose to national prominence as a leading MTV VJ between 1995 and 2011, worked extensively as a presenter in Brazilian television before dedicating herself to directing.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The other redemptions outside of those options typically offer a subpar value of less than 1 cent per point, except for Bilt Travel redemptions and travel partner transfers.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The Canadians are taking it personally that their integrity is coming under attack in front of a global audience at the Olympics, which touts the values of respect and friendship.
    Julia Frankel, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That’s definitely not the case with Sam Pollard’s film about Desmond Tutu, whose importance to the ending of apartheid in South African cannot be overstated.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The proclamation comes during Black History Month and as Philadelphia prepares to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026 — milestones supporters say highlight the importance of inclusion within longstanding civic traditions.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest marks an irrevocable downturn in the royal family’s stature.
    Tim Stanley, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2026
  • The earliest versions were made to each client’s specifications—Warner’s were a bit smaller than average, for example, to better suit the exec’s shorter stature.
    Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prestige

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!