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
Four prizes remain unclaimed, including a pair of drawings from the holiday weekend, according to the CT Lottery. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025 The winner of the five-race bracket-style tournament takes home a $1 million prize. Jay Cohen, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Verb
In his view, Rabanne’s discography resonates today, mentioning how pop stars from Lady Gaga to The Weeknd are prized for music with an ’80s undercurrent. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 But Gmail is the most prized, because your email account opens up access to so much more. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • The itinerary takes guests to as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersing travelers in India’s cultural treasure and heritages.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Photograph: Simon Hill Ravensburger Labyrinth $30 $21 (30% off) Amazon Labyrinth is a top family game that has kids collect treasures by shifting maze tiles each turn.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • The Tennessean wins for podcast, feature series Tennessean journalist Keith Sharon won a first place award in the podcast series category for his work on Murder on Music Row, released last May.
    Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
  • Last season, the righty was a Cy Young contender in the AL and only lost out on the award because of Tarik Skubal's incredible season.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • This Dyson model is lightweight and has powerful suction and motorized tools that are excellent for getting hair out of carpets and upholstery.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The hiding spot seemed like an excellent spot for avoiding the sun and potential predators, but Fowler didn't feel quite the same.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Now’s your chance to save on all sorts of smart home improvement gems—no coupon needed.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 8 July 2025
  • Indeed, it’s rightfully considered one of Europe’s hidden gems, welcoming approximately 130,000 visitors annually.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • With a growing list of accolades, Lui and Wong are leading a new wave of emotionally intelligent, human-centric design in Asia and beyond.
    Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Business success isn’t just a matter of booming sales, innovative technology, or record-breaking accolades.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The wigs depicted by Yang in her paintings are mounted on Chinese opera mask stands and they are decorated with flowers, jewels, wheat, grasses and fruit.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The annual event, which kicked off Wednesday with a 250,000-plus-person attendance, is the crowning jewel of music festivals.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • These tender, buttery peas are wonderful in any number of dishes, but our new favorite just might be this black-eyed pea dip.
    Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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