prospect 1 of 2

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
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

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
For a regime that will need to construct its roster through the draft to start off, Sullivan could foreseeably invest his first draft pick on one of this year’s best cornerback or safety prospects. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Bruins prospect Andre Gasseau led the way with a couple of net-front goals, James Hagens picked up two assists and flashed his abundant skill while Dean Letourneau (one goal) was a physical presence on the forecheck and penalty kill. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Dombrowski mentioned Otto Kemp, Johan Rojas and prospect Gabriel Rincones as backup outfield candidates. Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025 Where to prospect for gold in Texas There have been a few notable gold mines in Texas over the past couple hundred years, but not so much today, according to the National Gold Prospecting Association. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prospect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prospect
Noun
  • In this all-new Hubble view, details of its structure are revealed as never before.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Envision, also due for a 2031 launch, will carry an orbital ground-penetrating radar to provide a complete view of Venus from its inner core to its upper atmosphere.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker recommended that the council hear from each candidate before making an appointment.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • How come this outcome or set of outcomes occurred, as opposed to any other possibility?
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There’s a possibility that Takaichi is going to move very aggressively.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The air was thick with anticipation and old snow.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Let anticipation do the heavy lifting.
    Alysia Reiner, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In this drama series, two friends recently divorced and widowed explore their new single lives with teenage children while questioning the possibility of a romantic future.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The Lakers have an open roster spot and are actively exploring the buyout market to potentially strengthen their roster.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Most people at the meeting, held over Microsoft Teams, expressed excitement at the potential for conservation in an area stretching from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance, plus 200 yards inland.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But potential alone does not pay the bills, lower energy costs or create opportunity.
    Steve Hershey, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Memory chipmakers have also seen extraordinary surges due to expectations for the AI buildout to boost demand for data storage.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome was a beat on consensus expectations of a 5% decline, with Kering stock up 11% in early morning trading.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Just search The Outside Podcast on YouTube to enjoy these chitchats with your eyes as well as your ears.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Give it a Google search Law enforcement, government officials, think tanks and academics have spent two decades searching for evidence of noncitizens voting.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prospect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prospect. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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