1
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
the prime strategist in the senator's presidential campaign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind
owns a thousand acres of prime farmland
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in bloom
a state or time of great activity, thriving, or achievement
in the prime of her life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in best
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
chose the prime of the litter of pups
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to ground
Related Words
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 prime
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
Up next is Ghana, which might be a bit off its prime years from 10-20 years ago but did get a win in its opening match.
—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Naturally, all eyes will be on Messi, even if the Argentinian is not remotely close to his prime.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Resistance training appears to prime a stronger growth hormone pulse at night, stacking your daytime workout with overnight repair.
—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prime
Adjective
With its Electron rocket and Pioneer spacecraft both vertically integrated into Rocket Lab's manufacturing processes, this Victus Haze launch marks the first TacRS mission to be carried out by a single prime contractor, providing the spacecraft, launch vehicle and on-orbit operations.
—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
23 June 2026
Up next is Ghana, which might be a bit off its prime years from 10-20 years ago but did get a win in its opening match.
—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
Noun
Rent it on Amazon Prime Video Soon after East Timor gains independence in 2002, a Korean soccer player past his prime (Park Hee-soon) arrives in the nascent nation seeking a new start.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
Naturally, all eyes will be on Messi, even if the Argentinian is not remotely close to his prime.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Verb
Bill Sheldrake, of Policy Analytics, noted the RDA gave the LDE $5 million in seed money to prime the pump for grants.
—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
Resistance training appears to prime a stronger growth hormone pulse at night, stacking your daytime workout with overnight repair.
—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prime
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prime
Adjective
-
He's partnered with Ridge (the maker of high-tech wallets, power banks and phone cases), serving as its chief creative partner and releasing a brand collection of chargers, suitcases and keychains.
-
Former South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigator Ryan Kelly was fired from his position as chief inspector for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office on June 8, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital.
Adjective
-
This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.
-
Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.
Noun
-
The recent algae bloom in the National Mall's Reflecting Pool highlights a common issue with these diverse, photosynthetic organisms.
-
Many varieties thrive in the South, offering blooms in spring or summer heat.
Noun
-
The most productive game of his career came in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with personal bests of 157 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions.
-
In all, Enhanced said there were 14 personal bests set by 12 athletes, all of them swimmers and weightlifters.
Verb
-
Center fielder Jakob Marsee put the Marlins ahead with an RBI single before second baseman Xavier Edwards drove in another run while grounding into a double play.
-
The White Sox loaded the bases with one out, but Chase Meidroth grounded into a force at the plate and Colson Montgomery struck out.
Adjective
-
This decision was made with the best interests of our students and families as the foremost priority, ensuring that Chartiers Valley students continue to receive safe, reliable, and consistent transportation to and from school.
-
Kuperwasser, who served in the Israeli military for 35 years, believes that Hezbollah’s foremost goal is to return to the south along with the civilian population, a possibility repeatedly ruled out by Israel’s high command.
Adjective
-
Sneakers are always calling my name (a great travel companion).
-
Having spent more than 30 years in the makeup industry, founder and makeup artist Jung Saem Mool knows great makeup starts long before foundation enters the picture.
Noun
-
How to Care for Container Roses Roses need adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and regular fertilization to encourage growth and healthy annual blooming.
-
Gardenias require four to six hours of sun for optimal blooming.
Cite this Entry
“Prime.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prime. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
