prize 1 of 4

Definition of prizenext

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

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

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

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
In addition to the traditional submission process through individual countries, non-English-language films can now qualify by winning top prizes at select major festivals, including Cannes, Berlin and Sundance. Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Internal revolt The clash over Russia and Israel has exposed a divide between the Biennale’s board and members of the international jury, a rotating cast of art world figures which awards the fair’s top prizes. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Verb
This lack of cooling produces a riper style of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot that are prized by many. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026 Kearey echoed her colleagues in expressing optimism that the film industry is rebounding with help from younger moviegoers who prize the experience. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prize
Noun
  • To prove it, the writer-director Damian McCarthy opens his movie with the epilogue to Ohm’s latest book, a desert death trek with a Spanish treasure hunter (Austin Amelio) and his desperately thirsty child guide (Ezra Carlisle).
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • May-Tove Smiseth, an archaeologist and adviser on the Innlandet County Council, said the treasure has drummed up excitement in the archaeological community.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Catholic Charities received $11 million from HHS in fiscal year 2025, according to federal spending data, but the award ended as of March 31.
    Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, federal law requires that judges review arbitration awards with a high degree of deference and should only vacate them if there’s an extraordinary defect, such as the award was procured by fraud or the arbitrator failed to consider relevant evidence or follow basic legal principles.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, this is a very underrated Scott Adkins gem that's mandatory viewing for action and sci-fi fans.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Cam Schlittler, the former Walpole High and Northeastern University standout who ended the Red Sox’s season with his Game 3 gem in the American League Wild Card Series last fall, was brilliant in his first professional start at Fenway Park.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Over the years, the museum has received its share of accolades.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Rodriguez had accolades galore in college.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The crown jewel is the 1988 Club, a transformation of the former Courtside Club into the franchise’s most exclusive offering.
    Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The jewel stayed with his son and successor, Duleep Singh, until the British Empire overtook Punjab a decade later.
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prize. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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