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
One such technological leap was the mRNA process, an innovation so significant that its pioneers won the Nobel prize. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025 Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Freedom: Conservatives prize personal liberty, which should include the freedom to generate your own power — a right already exercised by ordinary homeowners, not just elites. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025 In an industry that often prizes surface, Eugene insists on depth. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • These old Zinfandel vineyards are considered to be American historical treasures, given that most commercial vineyards are pulled out at around 30 years of age.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The historic casino, located across from Fremont Street Experience, is full of miscellaneous treasures and antiques, including a chandelier from Figaro Opera House in Paris, a giant brass boar from Nice, and a 1927 Pullman train car.
    Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Organisations parented by his vision host serious literary gatherings, confer prestigious awards, build encyclopaedic information on Tamil literature, art and culture, and impart literary, cultural and philosophical education to hundreds of curious minds.
    Priyamvada Ramkumar August 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The award, now in its 17th year, is a partnership between Red Gold and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and is presented to Red Gold growers who value improving soil health and water quality on their operations, the release said.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Have Real Deal Barbecue Named on Yelp’s 2024 list of the Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., Jim’s Smokin’ Que earned high praise for its delicious smoked meats and excellent accompaniments.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Compensation of a sort came as the excellent form continued in the league.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Hunter Brown bolstered his Cy Young Award candidacy with another gem, shutting the Red Sox down over 6.2 dominant innings, and the top three batters in Boston’s lineup combined to go 0 for 11.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The rocker/rapper/actor/celeb gossip site favorite will perform a free concert at Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave., the long running live music gem with a capacity of just 300 people.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In 1896, Huestis’s career took off as her commercial illustrations began appearing in prominent magazines and, along with her colleague Ami Mali Hicks, winning accolades.
    Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025
  • A lot of times these kinds of accomplishments and accolades are hard to process in the moment, because everything has been happening so fast.
    Frank DiGiacomo, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Wishing you a weekend full of sweet jams, meaningful jewels, family sing-alongs, and wall to wall jokes.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Although the German outfit will unearth another jewel, this model often takes you so far in challenging the best.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Caring, smart and fun with a wonderful calming Zen demeanor.
    Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Preserving history is wonderful, but so is safety. — Mary Ellen Stepowany, Baltimore Add your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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