prospect 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-ˌspekt How to pronounce prospect (audio)
Definition of prospectnext
1
as in view
all that can be seen from a certain point gazing at the wide prospect spread out before me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award a good prospect for the position of auditor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

prospect

2 of 2

verb

ˈprä-ˌspekt How to pronounce prospect (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Over the past year though, Peterson has made a real push to be considered the top prospect in this class. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 What makes the 22-year-old such an alluring prospect? —Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Verb
Orioles prospect Samuel Basallo is thriving at the Triple-A level. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025 Houston received infielder Isaac Paredes and prospect Cam Smith in return. —Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prospect
  1. view
  2. candidate
  3. possibility
  4. anticipation
  5. explore
  6. potential
  7. expectation
  8. search
Noun
  • In the video, Mamdani sheds more light on his views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
    — Gabe Friedman, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Manistique Boardwalk Stretching nearly two miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the city's namesake boardwalk has sweeping water views and offers a gentle, breezy stroll through some of Manistique's most scenic spots.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Definition of view
Noun
  • On Tuesday, two state legislators joined the crowded field of Democratic candidates looking to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.
    — Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Rabbis and other clergy members in the United States may endorse candidates from the pulpit without jeopardizing their house of worship’s tax-exempt status, the Internal Revenue Service has decreed.
    — Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Definition of candidate
Noun
  • Indianapolis City-County Council members are also discussing the possibility of fines and mandatory parenting classes for parents and guardians whose children repeatedly violate the new rules.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • Others wanted to consider the possibility of technological advancements.
    — Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of possibility
Noun
  • The fireworks were scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m., and hundreds of visitors — including families with young children — had already set up chairs at Fort Mellon Park and along Sanford’s Riverwalk in eager anticipation of the Independence Day event.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
  • Amazon’s beloved Prime Day is back starting July 8, but early deals are already dropping in anticipation.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Definition of anticipation
Verb
  • There is still not enough data exploring how these dyes can affect people, but researchers are exploring potential links between them and hyperactivity and neurobehavioral issues in children.
    — Alice Park, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Not every team has adopted these tools, and not every product manager has the time or support to explore them.
    — Shyam Ravindranathan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of explore
Noun
  • The potential for investment in the BVI is immense, particularly in tourism.
    — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Additionally, animal proteins other than chicken and beef have low allergenic potential.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of potential
Noun
  • The firm's estimate is even lower than analyst expectations.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 July 2025
  • This shift significantly changes how maps are consumed and raises expectations around their precision, accuracy and delivery.
    — Michael Harrell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of expectation
Verb
  • Authorities searched the Chatfield Reservoir for a missing paddleboarder Monday evening.
    — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
  • The summer dating spinoff from The Bachelor franchise will feature more than two dozen former contestants in Costa Rica searching for love.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of search

Browse Nearby Words

prosers
prospect
prospected
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prospect. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prospect

Nglish: Translation of prospect for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prospect

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