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
During each hunt, two eggs will have a pink Bunny ticket inside for a prize. Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 The prize for Best Stunt Design will debut at the 2028 ceremony, honoring movies released the previous year. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
The federal government finances the country's debt by selling Treasury bills to investors, who prize the asset because of the country's sterling credit rating and its guarantee of making good on interest payments. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025 In an age when aerodynamics are prized, station wagons have a lot to offer. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • Beachcombers and seashell hunters will appreciate the opportunity to find little treasures washed ashore.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Looting has been happening for centuries, but today’s criminals have turned to advanced technologies—including sonar, drones and underwater metal detectors—to pluck treasure from shipwrecks and other ancient sites beneath the Mediterranean Sea, per the AP.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His work has received dozens of national and regional awards.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
  • While winning awards is prestigious, a single award may not translate to additional sales.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a survey of more than 15,000 users after its rollout in 2024, 90% of respondents ranked their experience as excellent or above average.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Scott McKenna bossing the defence, Fabio Silva scoring goals for fun, Oli McBurnie bashing around and suddenly speaking excellent Spanish… this is a cause to believe in.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His biggest songs have included numerous motivational gems about getting back to the basics.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The thrill of the hunt, the excitement of discovering a rare gem, and the camaraderie among fellow collectors all contribute to the unique celebration.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The honor adds to a long list of accolades in her extraordinary career.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But the gritty crime drama is more than deserving of its accolades, and Goggins, as Detective Shane Vendrell, is a major reason for its success.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the Canadians are doing less, which forces the U.S. to take on a greater share of the responsibility.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Development and learning Playing with car seat toys is a great way for babies to learn.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In Midtown’s southeasterly quadrant, the Fifth Avenue Hotel is the jewel of 28th St.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In their new thriller Crime 101, an adaptation of the Don Winslow novella of the same name, Berry plays a weary insurance broker who gets involved in a multimillion-dollar heist led by a master jewel thief named Davis, portrayed by Hemsworth.
    Erin Clack, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!