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
Even though no prize will ever arrive, scammers continue to contact their victims to convince them that more money must be sent. Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025 Keeping Pandora’s Box closed raises the prize pot. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Time and again over the past decade, Beijing’s actions—from punitive economic measures against major trading partners to maritime harassment of rival territorial claimants in the South China Sea—have invited pushback from countries that prize their autonomy. Jeffrey Prescott, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025 Once prized in ancient Persia, pistachios are now showing up in everything from chocolate bars to coffee drinks. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Visit an antique store In honor of Kim's Antiques, pop into a local vintage shop and try to find any Stars Hollow-like treasures — maybe even a quirky piece for your home.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Vandalism, trash and human waste will tarnish natural treasures that are the envy of the world.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Today, the Nobel Prize in Physics remains widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the discipline.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The award will honor the best drama project selected from the MIA Drama Co-production Market & Pitching Forum, as chosen by a jury from Sony Pictures Television.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bader was excellent early Saturday, notching a sacrifice fly to drive in Realmuto and hustling to right-center for a diving catch in the fifth.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Both are excellent places for birding, boating, fishing, hiking, and finding a little peace and quiet.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Film fans will be intrigued by the silent-era gem Frankenstein, from 1910.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
  • There’s no question that this history, alongside other gems about Birkin revealed by Meltzer, has made the woman in question, who died on July 16, 2023, more than worthy of icon status.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The short list and nominators remain a secret, and documents revealing the details of the selection process for the accolades are sealed from public view for 50 years.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
  • And for all the deserved accolades to European captain Luke Donald, such a man exists on that side.
    Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For those who are ready to trade in their simple drip coffee set up for something a bit more advanced, Seattle Coffee Gear is a great independent retailer for coffee-brewing appliances and accessories.
    Melissa Knific, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Being a great place to work is about structure as well as culture, whether the business in question is listed, family-owned or private equity-backed.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Friends had described the city as the jewel of southern Spain.
    Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • These little Swedish jewels are a reminder that even the most stoic and pragmatic carmakers can inspire with a brilliant high note of design and imagination.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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