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

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
Paula Cooper Gallery has won Art Basel’s first Legacy Award, and per the prize’s design, nominated the younger gallery Chapter NY as the recipient of $50,000 towards their participation in next year’s fair, ARTnews reports. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 18 June 2026 Stephanie Khoury What are the raffle prizes tonight? Jeremy Rellosa, Curbed, 18 June 2026
Verb
These items are prized for their versatility, craftsmanship, and durability. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 June 2026 Celery is also prized for its texture and nutrition. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, Julián also discovers his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by, in a loveable, benevolent family-friendly feature.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • America is turning 250, but not all of its greatest treasures sit behind museum glass.
    Staff, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Some chefs who were honored in past years with Outstanding, Emerging or regional Best Chef awards have gone on to become household names, including Alice Waters, Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay.
    Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
  • Jelly Roll dedicates Grammy win to wife After winning the Grammy for best contemporary country album, Jelly Roll got emotional on the podium, dedicating the award to his wife, who wept and applauded in the audience.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • This seasonal turn pulls you toward a time of reflection.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 2026
  • To pull it off, the show’s creative team had to build a rock star from the ground up, crafting a visual identity, creating music that could stand on its own outside the series, and transforming Reid into a performer capable of owning a crowd rather than simply acting in front of one.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Flores, captain of the Negra Francisca, said the vessel — valued around $400,000 — belonged to his father, 84.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The deal is costing Fox $160 per share, using a combination of cash and Fox stock, and valuing Roku at $22 billion in total.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • For a mid-day warm-up, itineraries highlight cozy neighborhood gems like Drekkamun—a new spot in Kollafjørður whose name translates directly from Faroese as ‘a cup of tea or coffee’—or the brand-new Café Otto, tucked away at the national art museum following a peaceful walk through a local park.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Chisholm said that after Schlittler spun yet another gem, holding the middling Reds to four hits, a hit-by-pitch and zero walks over six scoreless innings in a 5-0 win for the Yankees.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The James Beard Awards, among the highest accolades in the American culinary industry, were announced Monday night, turning winning restaurants into must-visit destinations.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • His numerous accolades include 11 Primetime Emmys and five Directors Guild of America awards.
    Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Most hotels sit behind the main road, often thronged with tourists and traffic noise, but the Regent Shanghai on the Bund gives guests great views without the fuss.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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