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
If no one wins the jackpot, the cash prize will continue to tick up. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 31 May 2025 The odds of snagging the top prize are 1-in-376,992, according to the lottery’s website. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Verb
Scott Formby embraced the nature of a century-old house for a couple that prizes beautiful juxtapositions By John OrtvedPhotography by Jenna PeffleyStyled by Lisa Rowe May 28, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. John Ortved, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025 His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Our ideology is that trunks are synonymous with treasures, created with intricate artistry and deep emotion, meant to be passed down through generations.
    Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The treasure is in each performance, one as different, complex and unfailingly compelling.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The performance airs one night before the Great White Way's annual awards show.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Recently screening at France’s Series Mania, where Reinhart won the award for Best Actress, Hal & Harper will next make its New York premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 8.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority!
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • Greenery also makes an excellent addition to a resortcore space.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Globally recognized as one of the most important global spirits competitions, the IWSC has been uncovering gems for over 50 years.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Here are The Athletic’s pick of Wirtz alternatives, from his fellow high-fee buys to hidden gems.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Filmed at the legendary actor's Malibu home, the video features footage of Van Dyke's many accolades and awards, sweet clips of him and his extended family, and emotional moments of reflection.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
  • Sporting some of the world’s highest difficulty on floor and beam, 2025 could be the year for Roberson to capture individual accolades.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Erica’s great grandfather was one of a group of 15 that formed a wine cooperative in Sant’Antioco in 1932, the first in Sardinia.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The compact structures make great guest houses, home offices, or creative retreats.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The jewel of the home, a heated pool for swimming laps in the mornings, is located at the center of the inner courtyard, while the rooftop terrace offers an accommodating space for dining and lounging while taking in the city views.
    Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • This past weekend featured the crown jewel of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) annual slate, the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 May 2025
  • Your wonderful dog may or may not hanker to break routine and go on holiday.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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