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
According to the California Lottery, not long after Rodriguez celebrated his win, another top prize for the same scratcher game was sold. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 May 2025 The prize was won by a Danbury, CT resident, according to the CT Lottery. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025
Verb
Ingredients: The meatballs are made with ground 100% Angus beef, prized for its marbling, plus Parmesan and Romano cheeses, panko, garlic, onion, and a few spices. Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 For someone who prizes roadside Americana, this is the visual version of the sad trombone sound. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • While half a dozen of the most popular parks now require reservations just to get in, and others are plagued by bumper-to-bumper traffic between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are still a handful of natural treasures that haven’t (yet) been discovered by the masses.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Of course, Grandma’s garden was always hiding more treasures.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • For the 51st installment of the awards show, stars descended on Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Memorial Day to celebrate the biggest names in music, and brought their fashion A-game on the 99-degree day.
    Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Also vying for the Artist of the Year award are Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Amazon The latest MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent, lightweight laptop.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 24 May 2025
  • The enchanting espionage comedy flaunts an excellent Benicio del Toro as a 1950s industrialist, who, after surviving an attempt on his life, names his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton) as heir to his empire.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Have a suggestion for a great hidden dining gem in your neighborhood?
    Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
  • One of my four sisters would grab the paper and read these gems out loud, in a proclamation voice with special intonation for any name-drop of an Ivy League or Seven Sisters school.
    Lian Dolan, People.com, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The future of Hollywood depends on whether the industry recognizes that its greatest asset isn’t its distribution technology but its storytellers.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • The scene, staged at Carnegie Hall, a venue built by one of America’s great 19th century philanthropists, paid tribute to a long tradition of American giving, while pointing to new ways of thinking that are shaping the 21st century.
    Sam Jacobs, Time, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Trainer Todd Pletcher, 0-10 at the Preakness, is looking for his first middle jewel of the Triple Crown. 7.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Of course, Aberg can only know so much about Charlotte’s jewel right now.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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