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 The best restaurant sauces can tempt even the most prim and proper of us to lift up our plates and lick them clean. — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 July 2026 The vibe of every room is prim and professional, with clean lines and neutral tones, creating spaces that would feel appropriate as the backdrop of a last-minute work Zoom, but not too rigid for the kick-off of a leisure trip. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 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 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
  • The tidy nature of the buildings, which had once been a source of pride for Shawn, now appeared threatening in its precision.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Try to put your economy-of-motion hat on and organize each step of the process in a way that’s organized and tidy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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
  • Drawing on his experiences as a wrestler and 24-hour gym-bro style, fits were kept trim so Dong could wear, say, a pair of training shorts ($98) with a matching black quarter zip ($155) to workout in between market appointments in Paris.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Designers suggest using bold shades for walls, trim, or ceilings, while balancing intensity with neutral tones.
    — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of trim
Adjective
  • With an almost puritanical zeal, Pavese sought to banish rhetoric and image.
    — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of puritanical
Adjective
  • There is also a focus on air and light, with the main lobby and restaurant having vast open walls, open-air ceilings, indoor gardens, and neat pools of water, all of which allow the Mediterranean breeze to circulate through.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • As pony hair has become more broadly popular in sneakers, particularly with animal prints, Nike has also outfitted other versions of the Air Force 1 Low with a neater length of the material.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • Your front porch is your home’s chance to make a first impression, so keeping it nice and orderly is essential!
    — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Leah Nesbitt, a spokesperson for the county judge’s office, said in August that O’Hare has a duty to maintain an orderly meeting for the public’s benefit and efficiency’s sake.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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