prize 1 of 4

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
Each business along the route will also have one golden egg, which will qualify teams for top-tier prizes. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 Another gambler recently won a big prize in Florida. Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
These dramatic peaks set a strong tone for a wine country getaway in Central Otago, which is prized for its award-winning wines. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025 Black, red, and silver maples can be tapped for syrup, but sugar maples are prized for their production of the sweetest sap. Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Astin, Plimpton, Green, Feldman, Davi, and Pantoliano joined Josh Brolin and Ke Huy Quan in hunting down the trusty ship of notorious pirate One-Eyed Willy, hoping to happen on some treasure to secure their families' futures.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Layering Lighting Design: Lamps in all shapes and sizes can be used to recast the feel of a room, brighten dark corners and illuminate your treasures.
    Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Zoom in: The biggest grant is a five-year, $5.9 million award to Humanities Texas, whose mission is to improve classroom teaching and support libraries and museums.
    Asher Price, Axios, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Watkins is only the fourth sophomore to win the coveted award.
    Brad Adgate, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Two standout experiences near the water include Schooner’s in the Caribbean Village, open for breakfast and dinner (chef Chris’s swordfish steak was excellent) as well as Barefoot by the Sea in the Italian Village.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Rear space is excellent, with plenty of legroom and headroom, accentuated by the panoramic sunroof.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of these modernist gems just popped up for sale on the suburban outskirts of Los Angeles, in the quaint village of Sierra Madre.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Lot 22 is an absolute gem for anyone following the vintage Rolex market.
    Thomas Wojtowicz, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The honor adds to a long list of accolades in her extraordinary career.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But the gritty crime drama is more than deserving of its accolades, and Goggins, as Detective Shane Vendrell, is a major reason for its success.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Temu and Shein have taken steps to grow their operations in the U.S. as the de minimis loophole has come under greater scrutiny.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This assignment begins with secondary and higher educational institutions taking greater strides to enrich offerings civics instruction.
    Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Midtown’s southeasterly quadrant, the Fifth Avenue Hotel is the jewel of 28th St.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In their new thriller Crime 101, an adaptation of the Don Winslow novella of the same name, Berry plays a weary insurance broker who gets involved in a multimillion-dollar heist led by a master jewel thief named Davis, portrayed by Hemsworth.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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