prospect 1 of 2

1
as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point gazing at the wide prospect spread out before me

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2
3
as in possibility
something that can develop or become actual one highly desirable prospect for the city is a major-league franchise

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4
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence the prospect of a quiet, restful Sunday ended when our basement flooded

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prospect

2 of 2

verb

as in to explore
to go into or range over for purposes of discovery soon all manner of people had arrived in the valley to prospect it for gold

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun prospect differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prospect are anticipation, foretaste, and outlook. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

When might anticipation be a better fit than prospect?

The words anticipation and prospect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

Where would foretaste be a reasonable alternative to prospect?

The synonyms foretaste and prospect are sometimes interchangeable, but foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

When could outlook be used to replace prospect?

Although the words outlook and prospect have much in common, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

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 prospect
Noun
This suggests that even among voters who favor political change, some remain ambivalent about the prospect of a Lee’s presidency. Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 The flip side has been a greater pool of polished prospects, with the Heat benefiting with the changing pool with last year’s second-round selection of Pelle Larsson out of Arizona and then of the post-draft signing of Keshad Johnson, also out of Arizona, both with full college resumes. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Verb
Dodgers prospect Zyhir Hope (No. 58) is tied for seventh in the Midwest League with four home runs and the 20-year-old outfielder has a .879 OPS. Melissa Lockard, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Sales prospecting is the first step in every sales cycle. Besnik Vrellaku, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prospect
Noun
  • Scenic hiking trails weave through quiet valleys, offering breathtaking views of wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • The poll found that only 20% of U.K. adults had a favorable view of Markle, while 65% of respondents had a negative view of the duchess.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • That represents a huge decline from 2008, the climax of the Barack Obama coalition, when the Democratic candidate won 62% of the young male vote against GOP challenger John McCain.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • In a statement to the Star-Telegram, a Keller spokesperson said only one candidate applied.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Ivey sees possibilities for students elsewhere, or in the future.
    Dr. Marlena Corcoran, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Additionally, all mood data came from caregiver reports, introducing the possibility of bias.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • This doesn’t mean that anyone should chase emotionally unavailable partners, but confirms that creating a little bit of mystery can increase anticipation and likely, attraction.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Netflix has worked to keep anticipation high with behind-the-scenes footage, set photos, and promises that the wait will be worth it.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with their picnic in a shaded pavilion with unbeatable views.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • Resources for Empowerment For those interested in exploring the relationship between cannabis and feminine energy, there are several resources available.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Then pair that with Chop Robinson’s second season, and Miami has the potential to possess a dangerous trio of pass rushers.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • Our own data showed an uptick in the organizational adoption of AI, indicating transformative potential.
    Brian Jackson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Returning most of the team that won the 2024 Class 4A state title, Providence has dealt with large expectations all season.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • Smith said during the playoffs his expectation is to be ready by training camp.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • It had been visited by an investigator, searching for locations where someone may have spotted Chandler around the time of the murders.
    Ruth Chenetz, CBS News, 31 May 2025
  • But despite searching for days with members of the community, Gardner and Fishlock had to return home to mainland Australia, leaving the island without her.
    Kat Lonsdorf, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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