prostrate 1 of 2

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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
Johnson then stood over the prostrate Davis and fired two more times into his head, prosecutors said. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022 As a prostrate Johnson held his head in both hands in disbelief, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich chose to hold his head high. Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 31 Mar. 2022
Verb
King David named it as a site for prayer and would prostrate himself there. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Lydia prostrates herself on the floor of the Red Center. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prostrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrate
Adjective
  • This is easier said than done, especially when a player is exhausted and struggling.
    Eric Zillmer, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Our entire business focuses on identifying companies that seem exhausted but have the potential for revitalization.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.
    Raul Elizalde, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Other Ukrainian sources in the area paint a more dire picture, in which months of persistent Russian pressure has culminated in a weak spot to exploit.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Dog owners are less prone to loneliness, anxiety and depression, and also have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and a lower risk of heart disease, ongoing research suggests.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • As Jacob points out, those who do speak out are prone to allegations of bias towards either Israel or the Palestinian cause.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This means banana particles can remain between teeth for an extended period, giving bacteria more time to produce acids that weaken tooth enamel.14 6.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
  • For Trump, whose political brand has long relied on projecting authenticity to his base, a sustained decline in honesty ratings could weaken his ability to roll out his agenda.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Those who learn how to calibrate resistance enough to drive learning, rather than paralyze progress, will be the ones to capture not just ROI, but also resilience, meaning, and a lasting advantage.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Set in 1854 London, the historical thriller dramatizes a sequence of grisly murders that paralyze London.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As the country's top disaster response agency, FEMA is charged with responding to disasters that overwhelm the capabilities of local and state governments.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Residents say the building, once an anchor in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood, has been overwhelmed by trespassers and disrepair.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, there were 36 active hunters left, so only 1 out of every 12 would down a buck.
    Chester Chatfield, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces downed at least 24 Ukrainian drones overnight.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Clearly, the fans are tired of Smith's constant issues with James.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prostrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prostrate. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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