prospect 1 of 2

1
as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point gazing at the wide prospect spread out before me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in possibility
something that can develop or become actual one highly desirable prospect for the city is a major-league franchise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence the prospect of a quiet, restful Sunday ended when our basement flooded

Synonyms & Similar Words

prospect

2 of 2

verb

as in to explore
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery soon all manner of people had arrived in the valley to prospect it for gold

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prospect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prospect are anticipation, foretaste, and outlook. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

When might anticipation be a better fit than prospect?

The words anticipation and prospect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

Where would foretaste be a reasonable alternative to prospect?

The synonyms foretaste and prospect are sometimes interchangeable, but foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

When could outlook be used to replace prospect?

Although the words outlook and prospect have much in common, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

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 prospect
Noun
Both Lizzy and Lydia, by following their own desires, jeopardize the economic prospects of their entire family. Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 Zillennials, many of whom were either still in diapers or not-yet-born when the band’s 1994 debut album, Definitely, Maybe, came out, were also elated at the prospect of finally seeing the world’s greatest rock band live. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently praised Blue Jays prospect JoJo Parker as one of the best young prospects in baseball. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Four minor leaguers, including Padres prospect Jay Groome, received year-long suspensions for similar infractions. Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prospect
Noun
  • This livestream from The Virtual Telescope Project will share real-time views from Italy, where totality begins just as the full moon appears on the eastern horizon.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Its crown jewel was the balcony, which opened up to uninterrupted views of the lake and the hotel's waterfront promenade.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At least one former candidate – Kansas City attorney Stacy Lake, who lost to White in the Democratic primary for County Executive in 2022 – has announced plans to run at that point.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The Senate field has remained thin since liberal teacher Josh Weil bowed out earlier this summer, positioning Jenkins as the party’s most visible candidate so far.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But others suggested that with Kirk’s death, any possibility of peacefully bridging the divide between the right and left was now off the table.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Collins, Appropriations Committee chairwoman, is tasked with crafting funding measures and is locked in a battleground reelection fight, potentially strengthening the possibility of an extension.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Given that the Court, under Chief Justice John Roberts, has already significantly undermined past interpretations of Voting Rights Act, there is significant anticipation that the majority-minority districts will be struck down as unconstitutional.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The marathon comes in anticipation of Fathom Events' theatrical rerelease of the Twilight saga at the end of October and beginning of November, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the publication of Stephanie Meyer's original Twilight novel.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Multigenerational travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, offering opportunities for grandparents, parents, and children to share experiences and create lasting memories together.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After losing generational slugger Juan Soto to a record-setting free agent offer from the New York Mets last year, the New York Yankees may be desperate to prevent another power-hitting outfielder from exploring the open market after a single season with the franchise.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The breakthrough method holds the potential to one day help people regain function after paralysis.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the meantime, Alonso will work with the options at his disposal — a group the Bernabeu board view as having great potential in terms of quantity and variety.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In that spirit, the exhibition resists the expectation that women and non-binary artists must define themselves in contrast to a male norm.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Meeting these expectations has put real strain on automotive retail, challenging dealers to know when to rely on intelligent tools—and when to step in with human expertise.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Every bag and piece of equipment that comes through security on Sunday will be scanned and thoroughly searched.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prospect. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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