prim

adjective

ˈprim How to pronounce prim (audio)
Definition of primnext
1
as in tidy
being clean and in good order behind the bed-and-breakfast is a prim little garden where guests are served afternoon tea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in Victorian
given to or marked by very conservative standards regarding personal behavior or morals a very prim and proper matron was in charge of the girls' dorm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 prim And then there’s the prim and unfriendly Stagg, who doesn’t play well with others, who insists on having the office to himself, and who refuses to let the affable Krick be a part of his reports to Ike and the rest of the generals. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026 The lightweight sweater top and midi skirt feel sleek but still comfortable enough for long days out, and the side slits keep the silhouette from feeling too prim. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026 They’re being taught how to look prim and proper while pouring the perfect cup of tea. — Shannon Carlin, Time, 6 May 2026 Just an hour outside New York City lies a prim and proper Colonial compound steeped in history. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prim
  1. tidy
  2. Victorian
  3. trim
  4. puritanical
  5. neat
  6. orderly
Adjective
  • Trade restrictions are breaking up world markets, but not into tidy blocs.
    — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Trim thick plants near your home’s foundation, move piles of leaves or debris, and keep the yard tidy.
    — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • In St Leonard’s a good choice is St Benedict’s BnB, a quirky guesthouse filled with Victorian memorabilia.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Begonias, once adored during the Victorian Era, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
Definition of Victorian
Adjective
  • The trim, tidy house appears to harmonize with the scale of other homes in the neighborhood, but actually extends far back into its lot, providing southern exposure to every interior space.
    — Fred Albert, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Having a trim lawn can add curb appeal to your home and create the perfect space for outdoor games during the summer months.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 24 July 2026
Definition of trim
Adjective
  • She’s been attacked, her puritanical sister has landed from America, and murder is starting to feel less like a paranoid theory than a reasonable working assumption.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 June 2026
  • Perhaps because of its puritanical roots, any place that serves alcohol in Boston also has to have a full menu—so there aren’t straight-up bars here or anywhere else.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Definition of puritanical
Adjective
  • His machines cut six acres a day, continuously keeping South Farms’ lawns neat.
    — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Austrian international was neat in possession and, like McAtee, seemed to know when to up the tempo.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • Licata and other administrators started the day at the district’s bus barn, voicing excitement and assurance that operations would be orderly for students’ return to the classroom.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In other words, the longer Russia’s gerontocratic elites sit atop the institutions that have political legitimacy, constitutional centrality, and access to resources and loyalists, the less likely an orderly transition to the next president will be.
    — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of orderly

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prigs
prim
primacy
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Cite this Entry

“Prim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prim. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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