prize 1 of 4

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

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
Notably, Zhao is the only director to have twice received the top audience prize at TIFF. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 Seacrest, 50, opened the prize envelope and shared that Derevjanik won the million-dollar prize. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
In a forgetful, self-erasing city like Los Angeles, the Palisades prized its history and its sense of place. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 The hotel boasts the first-ever truffle concierge, who will clean, store, and even ship your prized finds home in perfect condition. Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Wahlberg, 54, plays a professional thief who recruits a new team in an attempt to rob a treasure recently recovered from the depths of the ocean.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
  • American budgets, jobs, health, welfare and environmental treasures cannot afford more energy fantasies, especially offshore wind.
    Craig Rucker, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This year’s awards are produced by Anchor Street Collective, with Branden Chapman is executive producer, and Carleen Cappelletti is co-executive producer.
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The addition of podcasters to THR’s prestigious Roundtable lineup spotlights the voices driving today’s audio renaissance and contemporary entertainment trends bringing podcasting into the heart of the awards conversation.
    THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Iberostar Waves Quetzal Playa del Carmen, Mexico A beachfront all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that welcomes families with excellent children’s programming, Iberostar Waves Quetzal caters to kids and teens ages four to 17 with everything from cooking classes to science experiments.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The dual point of view is perfect, the banter and pacing are excellent and the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Again, what an absolute gem Eli Drinkwitz found in the transfer portal.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Also included in the tennis necklace inventory is this now-$22 gem, a bezel bauble, and more.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As accolades continue to come Michigan’s way as a popular destination for travelers — a recent USA Today poll ranked Mackinac Island in northern Michigan as the top spot in the nation to visit for fall — the state’s Pure Michigan campaign is airing nationally, touting the Great Lakes State.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Since opening in 2018, the steakhouse has earned numerous accolades.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • See how commonwealth compares to other states The classic Halloween symbol is also great at dividing the masses.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • At just $30, Universal Thread’s version is a great way to add the style to your rotation at a fraction of the price.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mackinac Island remains one of the jewels of the state’s tourism empire as over 1 million people visit the idyllic island each year.
    Carol Cain, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Jerusalem is the jewel of our hearts and our eternal capital.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Watching his wonderful kids, Amy, Jamie and Shauna, grow up and become deeply connected to the arts and making an impact in this world has been an immense privilege.
    Michelle Satter, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Accessible by car or Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, which offers thrice-daily service, Culpeper is a wonderful destination for a leisurely and enriching getaway.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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