prize 1 of 4

Definition of prizenext

prize

2 of 4

adjective

prize

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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
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, the top scorers in soccer history, will be playing in their sixth and final World Cups — Messi chasing a second straight title and Ronaldo pursuing the only prize that has eluded him. Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 The audience award victory came ahead of Arne Feldhusen’s absurdist ZDF comedy The Flaws, which finished second in the public vote after earlier winning SerienCamp’s official competition prize. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
Verb
Beaches are prized real estate during the Capri summer, so plan ahead by booking an umbrella and chaise lounge at a beach club. Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026 Originating in Oxfordshire, England, this heirloom variety is prized for its complex sweet and tart taste. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • The pair kept venturing farther across the rocks, hoping to find more treasures along the shoreline.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
  • Witter is Desert Vintage’s longest-serving employee, save for its current owners, Roberto Cowan and Salima Boufelfel, and is in charge of categorizing and dating the rare and glorious treasures that come through the shop’s doors.
    Max Berlinger, Vogue, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • Stephenson displayed his versatility again in that award-winning debut year, playing in a number of positions across defence and midfield, but has benefited from more stability in this one.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The postseason awards are coming in for Georgia Tech standout Vahn Lackey.
    Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG The grizzled leader of PSG’s excellent defence occupies a similar role for Brazil, and his partnership with Gabriel will be the foundation for any deep World Cup run.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Watts got another excellent chance in the waning seconds, but the Patriots defense forced the shot to go wide.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • In Istanbul, a corn vendor is pulling bigger crowds than some of the city’s monuments.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • And in November 2024, two trucks carrying Santo tequila, valued at about $1 million, did not arrive at their destination.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • When a satin skirt or silk scarf is valued primarily for the status endowed upon its wearer – rather than its functionality as clothing – products take on a mystical status.
    Eileen G'Sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • Multicolor round beads sat across the lower lace area, while gem embellishments covered the toe box of the low-cut silhouette and continued around the collar.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 June 2026
  • Residents try to keep this coastal gem hush-hush, but can't seem to keep the idyllic scenery, trendy shops, and great restaurants entirely under wraps.
    Kira Turnbull, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • He's considered one of the planet’s most versatile watermen, with accolades that include eight-time stand-up paddle world champion, hydrofoil pioneer, and big-wave master.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • The awards came shortly thereafter, doling out the first accolades in 1991.
    Carly Westerfield, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roberto Duran, the Central American nation’s most famous son, is one of the greatest boxers in history.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The Lincoln home site provides another dimension to the study of the man often cited as the nation’s greatest president.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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