prestige

noun

Definition of prestigenext
as in status
the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important Her career as a diplomat has brought her enormous prestige. The job has low pay and low prestige.

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word prestige distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of prestige are authority, credit, influence, and weight. While all these words mean "power exerted over the minds or behavior of others," prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority.

the prestige of the newspaper

When would authority be a good substitute for prestige?

While the synonyms authority and prestige are close in meaning, authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

his opinions lacked authority

When is credit a more appropriate choice than prestige?

In some situations, the words credit and prestige are roughly equivalent. However, credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others.

his credit with the press

Where would influence be a reasonable alternative to prestige?

While in some cases nearly identical to prestige, influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously.

used her influence to get the bill passed

In what contexts can weight take the place of prestige?

Although the words weight and prestige have much in common, weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices.

their wishes obviously carried much weight

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 prestige Indian consumers rejected the Tata Nano, a car deliberately designed to move low-income families from mopeds to cars, in part because the world’s cheapest car lacked prestige and status. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 18 July 2025 Fragrance sales, too, have risen in tandem with this growth, and today the category is the fastest-growing in both mass and prestige beauty, per Circana. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 17 July 2025 Akron and Kent State are zero-star prestige programs in the game. —Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 July 2025 The lack of prestige, professional isolation, and fewer opportunities for advancement make recruitment and retention more difficult compared to larger, urban hospitals. —Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prestige
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prestige
  1. status
  2. fame
  3. notoriety
  4. renown
  5. prominence
  6. value
  7. importance
  8. stature
Noun
  • The Bottom Line: Zayas vs. Garcia Zayas' potential ascent to championship status is happening in the right fight.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • China currently refuses to engage with President Lai, with Chinese officials branding him as a separatist and supporter of Taiwan's current status.
    — Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 26 July 2025
Definition of status
Noun
  • While most of the sequel's cast are single, both Prinze Jr. and Hewitt have proven that Hollywood fame doesn't have to get in the way of finding true love.
    — Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 19 July 2025
  • This wealthy municipality west of Lisbon was a turn-of-the-century haunt for aristocrats in search of its therapeutic thermal waters, before finding wartime fame in the 1940s as a den of espionage on both sides thanks to Portugal’s neutrality.
    — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of fame
Noun
  • Lou Thesz, who began his career in the 1930s, played a pioneering role in professional wrestling gaining notoriety.
    — Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • The incident gained a new level of notoriety as the scene was recreated in numerous videos posted to social media.
    — Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
Definition of notoriety
Noun
  • However, successful alums highlight the sustainable renown that could be mirrored in the program's future.
    — Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Later European aristocrats came to holiday; in the 1920s, Elizabeth von Arnim’s best-selling novel, Enchanted April, gave the burgeoning resort a widespread renown.
    — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Definition of renown
Noun
  • Rise to prominence and a cup-winning goal Born in Nyon to a Swiss mother and a Senegalese father, Ndoye joined Lausanne’s under-13 team.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Ozzy Osbourne, the pioneering heavy metal singer who rose to prominence in the early ‘70s with Black Sabbath before establishing a successful solo career and playing himself on reality TV, died Tuesday.
    — Roy Trakin, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2025
Definition of prominence
Noun
  • Bathroom renovations can improve mood, functionality, and home value.
    — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • The heat dome created by high pressure has been influencing the weather over the eastern third of the country, causing heat index values of 105 to 110 in cities across the Deep South like Little Rock, Memphis and New Orleans.
    — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of value
Noun
  • And Driving Talent Forward Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, explains the broad impact and importance of the rookie test within the championship’s growth strategy.
    — Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The film covers the history and importance of political cartoons in global democracies, as well as the decline in the profession and in the newspaper industry.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 July 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Freuler has become a key figure in Italy, just as Dominguez has grown in stature in Nottingham.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • The former college football star who found a career in comedy when his Vine videos went viral has grown steadily in stature over the years, still posting funny comedy bits but also touring nationwide.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
Definition of stature

Browse Nearby Words

prestidigitators
prestige
prestigious
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Cite this Entry

“Prestige.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prestige. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prestige

Nglish: Translation of prestige for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prestige

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