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 During that time, the Festival has enjoyed a remarkable stability and growth in prestige, industry initiatives and attendance and international impact and partnerships, such as the Proyecta project showcase at Ventana Sur, organized with the Cannes Festival’s Marché du Film. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 Yet the government still clings, against all odds, to what remains of the Cuban revolution’s political prestige. Carlos Manuel Alvarez, Time, 24 Apr. 2026 And then there is the Durbar, a banquet hall where eight elegant pillars bring prestige to the party. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 All of these changes have chipped away at the prestige the Yankees once held. Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
Noun
  • Carly elevates the aesthetic activities of suburban women everywhere to the status of—what, exactly?
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • The airline is also honoring Spirit frequent-flyer statuses and benefits on Southwest, such as early boarding.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The fame is still relatively new for the young Hurricanes receiver.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • Malik, who has had a challenging relationship with fame throughout his career, left One Direction in 2015; the group carried on as a quartet before taking what was described as a hiatus the following year.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • At larger papers, letters to the editor are often selected and printed in the op-ed pages on the basis of the authority or notoriety of the writer, but often on the basis of the point of view expressed.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The term did not gain widespread notoriety until mostly male content creators began discussing it on social media platforms, such as TikTok, in the early 2020s.
    Matt Cullinan, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While not necessarily on anyone’s radar as a top prospect, Anderson earn some renown after he was selected to pitch for Team Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic this spring.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Bess, in fact, was an athlete of such renown that her exploits included playing on a YWCA team for future Kansas coaching legend Phog Allen — who grew up in Independence.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The prominence of those issues at Thursday’s hearing reflects, in part, which speakers chose to participate in public comment, and does not necessarily capture the full range of concerns that shaped the commission’s months-long process.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • Janice Dickinson Janice Dickinson rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as one of the most recognizable supermodels of her era.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Though the value can be criticized, Love is immediately going to make Arizona’s offense exponentially better.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Under state law, the department should have gathered data on at least three comparable properties and their corresponding values, the report reads.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Charles, who is well-known for his love of nature and the importance of sustainability, fed chickens in a coop together with the kids.
    Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Through their applause and standing ovations, Democrats showed more support than many Republicans for the monarch’s remarks, particularly on the importance of NATO and environmental protection.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alvarado is only 6-foot, but the five-year NBA veteran finds ways to overcome his undersized stature with energy, edginess and IQ.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • One that reflects a subtle but notable shift in both their stature and approach.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prestige

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster