prize
22 synonyms and 0 antonyms for prize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An award given to the winner of a competition, contest, or lottery.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French prise, "a taking or seizing," from prendre, "to take" — the same root gives us "surprise" and "comprise."
Full origin of prize →Frequently asked questions
What does “prize” mean?
The word “prize” means an award given to the winner of a competition, contest, or lottery. In plain terms, something won for coming first, or something you value very highly.
How do you pronounce “prize”?
“Prize” is pronounced PRYZ (/ˈpɹaɪ̯z/ in IPA).
How do you use “prize” in a sentence?
Here is “prize” used in a sentence: “She won first prize in the baking contest.”
What part of speech is “prize”?
Depending on how it is used, “prize” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “prize” come from?
The word “prize” comes from Old French. From Old French prise, "a taking or seizing," from prendre, "to take" — the same root gives us "surprise" and "comprise.".
Is “prize” a common word?
“Prize” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “prize” have?
“Prize” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an award given to the winner of a competition, contest, or lottery.
What is the difference between prize and price?
Despite the similar spelling, they are unrelated. A "prize" is an award you win in a competition or lottery. A "price" is the amount of money something costs. The single letter changes everything — you win a prize, but you pay a price. They are among the most commonly confused look-alike words.
What is the difference between a prize and a reward?
A prize is won through competition, luck, or achievement — you beat others or triumph in a contest to earn it. A reward is given in return for effort, good behaviour, or service, and no contest is needed. You win a prize; you receive a reward for doing something.
What are the types of prizes?
Prizes come in many forms: cash winnings, trophies and medals, certificates, gift vouchers, and goods such as cars or holidays. Some, like the Nobel Prize, carry huge prestige as well as money. Others are small tokens in a raffle. What unites them is that each marks winning or being chosen.
What is an example of a prize?
A gold medal at the Olympics, the jackpot in a lottery, a trophy for winning a tournament, or the Nobel Prize for outstanding work are all prizes. Even a small toy handed out at a fairground game counts. Each is an award given to a winner.