prize 1 of 4

Definition of prizenext

prize

2 of 4

adjective

prize

3 of 4

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

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

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
This year’s winning designer will receive a prize of $5,700 (in honor of the 57th running of the race). Nicole Bennett, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026 After its Sundance debut, the film went on to win a directing prize at the festival and land Peabody and Academy Award nominations. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Tacos Don Tacho #2 stands out for flavorful Mexican food, from chilaquiles to birria served with a rich red consommé, and is prized for its extensive selection of homemade salsas and pickled condiments. Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026 Rex begonias are prized for their showy leaves and can be grown in the sun. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Archaeologists have discovered a piece of marble treasure among the remains of a shipwreck off the coast of the Greek island of Kythira, which could be tied to an infamous robbery at the Parthenon, Greek officials said.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But the show instantly makes a rod for its own back by waiting until Episode 3 to turn its hero into the Count and get all the treasure-hunting, high society-infiltrating, and Machiavellian scheming underway.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • During the ceremony, Kidman and Moulin Rouge costar Ewan McGregor presented the award for Best Picture.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Following her roles in Marty Supreme and I Love LA, Odessa A’zion swiftly emerged as one of Hollywood’s new darlings and a key character of this awards season.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Its keyboard and trackpad are mostly as excellent as those on a MacBook Air, only smaller.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
  • These cabins are located amongst the splendor of the Badlands National Park; expect to wake up surrounded by nature and excellent views.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Like Season 1’s Ronald Gladden, Anthony Norman proves there really are a few lovely gems still sprinkled among our ever-eroding society.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Her fresh braids were laid and neatly tucked under her signature paisley bandana, adorned by gems that reflected the strobe lights.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • After fueling a fourth-quarter comeback win for the Nuggets (43-28) on Friday night, the 33-year-old guard admitted the accolade has been on his mind as a source of motivation.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Sellout crowds and a spirited students section earned accolades across the country, encouraging the NCAA shot-callers to keep San Diego in the rotation.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • With various pockets for groups to catch up and a secret bookcase that leads to a private room, Darby Winery is a great option for both excellent wines and unique design.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The settings feature 12 different temperatures backed by infared technology to fit any styling mood (the lower temperatures are great for creating waves without completely frying off your hair).
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition showcases more than 60 objects made of silver, gold, enamel and precious jewels from several European monarchs and rulers to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
    Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • From 2006 to 2011, the series, about a teenager named Miley Stewart who lives a double life as a pop singer, was the crown jewel of the Disney Channel empire at the peak of its stronghold over American youth.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Coast Guard is a huge piece of this puzzle, and to be able to see the Coast Guard come to realization is wonderful.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Something wonderful could drop into your lap in mid-June.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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