prize 1 of 4

Definition of prizenext

prize

2 of 4

adjective

prize

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verb (1)

1
2
as in to pull
to raise, move, or pull apart with or as if with a lever trying to prize apart the jammed gears

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prize

4 of 4

verb (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prize differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prize are booty, loot, plunder, spoils, and spoil. While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy.

the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea

Where would booty be a reasonable alternative to prize?

The meanings of booty and prize largely overlap; however, booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates.

thieves dividing up their booty

When would loot be a good substitute for prize?

While the synonyms loot and prize are close in meaning, loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe.

picked through the ruins for loot

When might plunder be a better fit than prize?

Although the words plunder and prize have much in common, plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling.

a bootlegger's plunder

How do spoil and spoils relate to one another, in the sense of prize?

Spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest.

the spoils of political victory

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 prize
Noun
Now in its fourteenth year, the prize has continued to celebrate literary excellence in the Commonwealth region. Literary Hub, 22 May 2026 Awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences together with the Crafoord Foundation, the prize is one of the world’s most prestigious scientific honors outside the Nobel Prize system. Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
Hibiscus is prized not just for its beautiful blooms but also for its many culinary uses. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026 There’s a reason height is so prized by NHL teams, and NHL competition might expose some warts that AHL shooters do not. Max Bultman, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • On and Off the Avenue Rachel Syme hunts for vintage treasure.
    Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • In the series, an ex-treasure-hunter and descendent of a famous pirate uncovers a lost diary that could lead to the mysterious and powerful Emperor’s Stone.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
  • To support the magazine’s award-winning journalism, photography, short films, and podcasts, subscribe today.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Christopher Sanchez has once again been excellent, and Jacob Misiorowski has often looked unhittable with over 14 strikeouts per nine innings.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The excellent, nonprofit gallery and incubator known as PlatteForum has moved around a bit over the years, and will reopen in the Art District on Santa Fe starting June 5.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Many factors go into how a player is valued.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Online fast-fashion retailer Shein is said to be acquiring Everlane, the apparel brand known for its sustainability ethos, in a deal valuing the company at $100 million, according to information shared by Reuters.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Despite the location in central Granite Bay, which is close to schools and cart-riding distance from the community’s golf club, many locals don’t realize Higgins’ gem is even there.
    David Caraccio May 23, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026
  • Trojan’s starting pitcher Zach Ryan twirled a gem against the Indians allowing two unearned runs on five hits in six complete innings, but Ryan began to tire and walked Bodie Davis and Cole Koeninger to start the bottom of the seventh.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • Both Kardashian Barker and Huck accepted the accolade on stage in a room full of beauty executives and industry insiders, with the reality star crediting her children as her constant motivation.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The eye-catching color gives off instant vacation vibes, and looks great under a breezy white button-down or simply worn with the matching high-rise bottoms.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • The young people who pick up popular science books at the library tend to be deeply curious and self-motivated—qualities that also characterize great researchers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • These Ewedoos trousers are for anyone who wants to look pulled together without dealing with stiff waistbands or restrictive fabrics.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026
  • The other girl’s hair was pulled.
    Debra Newman Kamin, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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