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Definition of prostratenext
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as in prone
lying with the face downwards the suspects lay prostrate on the floor while the police searched the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prostrate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prostrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prostrate are prone, recumbent, and supine. While all these words mean "lying down," prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse.

a runner fell prostrate at the finish line

When would prone be a good substitute for prostrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to prostrate, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface.

push-ups require a prone position

Where would recumbent be a reasonable alternative to prostrate?

The words recumbent and prostrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting.

a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed

When could supine be used to replace prostrate?

While the synonyms supine and prostrate are close in meaning, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness.

lying supine on the couch

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 prostrate
Adjective
An excellent prostrate variety well suited to rockeries and pathways. Dennis Peck, oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2022 Johnson then stood over the prostrate Davis and fired two more times into his head, prosecutors said. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022
Verb
Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever. Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025 King David named it as a site for prayer and would prostrate himself there. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prostrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrate
Adjective
  • But as reserves become exhausted, shivering stops and body temperature continues to fall.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • But as Liberato and his crew grew exhausted, the vibe shifted.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Those who may have moved to the area after the winter of 2022, may have a pretty weak opinion of what our winters are like here.
    Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Moreover, the notion the public will meekly accept weaker radiation standards without explanation seems foolhardy.
    Katy Huff, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Legislators have generally steered clear of that type of demotion, fearing a backlash from disgruntled voters, who are prone to see students as consumers entitled to a voice about their own education.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Because the tragus area is prone to swelling, Tash recommends switching to a mini hoop once the piercing has fully healed, which can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
    Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The finance minister’s comments come after Takaichi sent a fresh warning on Sunday that the government will be ready to take action amid a weakening yen and surging bond yields.
    Mia Glass, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Over the past day, the trough that was keeping the storm track far away from us here has weakened, allowing the track to be closer to us.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The region is grappling with a winter storm that is paralyzing activity in the area with freezing precipitation on its roads, discouraging shoppers from heading out to stores.
    Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Travelers at Miami International Airport should expect delays and cancellations Friday through the weekend as a winter storm is forecast to paralyze much of the country.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Visitors would stand in awe as their senses were overwhelmed by colorful images and animations displayed in coordinated displays over multiple, large, flat-screen TVs.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • But for families with young kids, there is one cost that overwhelms almost everything else — child care.
    Liam Stanton, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The storm, a wintry mix of cold rain, sleet and ice, led to road closures, downed poles and trees, and for many, over 24 hours of waiting it out.
    Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The result broke a seven-game win streak for the Ducks, who downed the Calgary Flames 4-3 in overtime on Sunday.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prostrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostrate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

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