prim

adjective

ˈprim How to pronounce prim (audio)
Definition of primnext
1
as in tidy
being clean and in good order behind the bed-and-breakfast is a prim little garden where guests are served afternoon tea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in Victorian
given to or marked by very conservative standards regarding personal behavior or morals a very prim and proper matron was in charge of the girls' dorm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 prim This month’s nail trends feel less prim-and-proper and more playful—think vivid colors and striking patterns that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a vibrant beach towel, fruit stand, or a sunset. — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 18 June 2026 And then there’s the prim and unfriendly Stagg, who doesn’t play well with others, who insists on having the office to himself, and who refuses to let the affable Krick be a part of his reports to Ike and the rest of the generals. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 May 2026 The lightweight sweater top and midi skirt feel sleek but still comfortable enough for long days out, and the side slits keep the silhouette from feeling too prim. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026 They’re being taught how to look prim and proper while pouring the perfect cup of tea. — Shannon Carlin, Time, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prim
  1. tidy
  2. Victorian
  3. trim
  4. puritanical
  5. neat
  6. orderly
Adjective
  • Illinois’ chunk of that multistate settlement is certainly a tidy sum that could help chip away at Chicago Public Schools’ budget woes.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Below, experts provide legal advice on how to handle this situation and keep things as smooth as possible, along with simple yard cleaning tips to help keep your landscape tidy.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • In St Leonard’s a good choice is St Benedict’s BnB, a quirky guesthouse filled with Victorian memorabilia.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Begonias, once adored during the Victorian Era, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
Definition of Victorian
Adjective
  • Whether used as a neutral on walls, trim, or cabinetry or as more of a statement through color drenching, the 2027 COTY is a natural fit for any space.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Hyundai There’s also a bigger 61-kWh pack that boosts range to as much as 308 miles (496 km), depending on trim, with a 10-to-80% DC charging time of around 30 minutes.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of trim
Adjective
  • Our culture is losing sight of the value of knowledge and literacy, embracing instead ideas that are surface-level, puritanical and uncomplicated.
    — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Students marched against the Vietnam War, demanded racial and gender justice, challenged puritanical norms, and torched symbols of establishment power.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of puritanical
Adjective
  • Tasted neat, in a classic martini, or in a Queen’s Cygnature Martini, that greatness is evident from first sip to last.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
  • That’s why these roll-ups are a staple at my own parties, plus some sort of chips with dip and, of course, drinks (a tequila neat is my go-to).
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • These rules are set to maintain decorum, determine the will of the majority, preserve the rights of the minority, and facilitate the orderly transaction of business.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At times, his psychological explanations may seem almost too orderly for a woman who lived so exuberantly in disorder.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of orderly

Browse Nearby Words

prigs
prim
primacy
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Cite this Entry

“Prim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prim. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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