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

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
Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 13 Mar. 2026 Call 1-800-955-6886 to schedule an appointment to claim your prize. Chris Sims, IndyStar, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Centella asiatica is a standout for soothing irritation and supporting the scalp barrier, while ginseng is prized for stimulating circulation and supporting stronger roots. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026 California’s Napa Valley is prized for its vineyard views and quiet country roads, which create a relaxed atmosphere that blends rural simplicity with polished sophistication. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Inspired by Isaac’s small trove of treasures—and perhaps their own collecting instincts—Knorr and Coleman threaded a squirrel motif quietly throughout the home, with acorn details appearing in several rooms.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Tommy Thompson, a former deep-sea treasure hunter, is seen in an undated photo provided by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • On Sunday, sections of Hollywood will close for the awards show.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Additionally, Chris Evans, Javier Bardem, Chase Infiniti, Demi Moore and Kumail Nanjiani will also present trophies at the awards show.
    Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their egg dishes are excellent, the burger is top-notch and the roasted chicken, which is cooked over an open fire in the kitchen, is superb.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The bralette-style cups on this dual-strap tankini top are an excellent fit for smaller chests, and the criss-crossing back is a fun touch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Unlike a solitaire ring which features a single prominent gem, eternity bands can be customized with multiple stones to maximize their symbolic meaning and stacking possibilities.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026
  • These pristine gems of wild Florida are typically covered up and drowned out under 8 feet of brown, stagnant water held back by the Kirkpatrick Dam, which creates the Rodman Reservoir in Putnam County.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At its core, securing a listing is not about impressing an owner with accolades or confidence alone.
    Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Those accolades reflect a storied season, but don’t hold weight next to the Bruins’ ultimate goals.
    Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His pressure rate numbers are remarkable — even if his sack numbers aren’t — which is great news for a Panthers pass rush that was among the worst in the league last year.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The advisory warns of possible tornadoes, hail greater than 2 inches in diameter, winds greater than 70 miles per hour and localized flash flooding for areas near and south of I-80.
    Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The jewel of Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is well-loved for its many festivals, pristine coastline, and unique pirate-faring history.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
  • At Dries Van Noten, hair artist Olivier Schawalder secured hundreds of shining bobby pins atop models’ heads, occasionally adding golden jewels over the ears.
    Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The state should leave well enough alone and let the Connecticut homeschool community educate their children in many wonderful ways.
    Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Another wonderful spot is McIntire Park, especially the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial section.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster