Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confer are afford, bestow, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can afford take the place of confer?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

the trees afford shade
a development that affords us some hope

When can bestow be used instead of confer?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When might donate be a better fit than confer?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace confer?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

give alms
gave her a ride on a pony
give my love to your mother

When is it sensible to use present instead of confer?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer, present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

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 confer Combs, in an oversized cream sweater and khaki pants, had been extremely engaged with his defense team all day, passing notes and conferring with his lawyers. Adam Reiss, NBC news, 5 June 2025 Although pale, Weinstein appeared energetic, attentively watching witness testimony and conferring with his lawyers. Ilya Marritz, NPR, 3 June 2025 There are plenty of examples of how federal, state, and local governments have conferred, collaborated, and cooperated before or when a crisis strikes. Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Male puberty confers lasting physical advantages that even hormone therapy does not fully reverse. South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
Verb
  • Neither Paramount nor Skydance Media has agreed to grant free advertising airtime to Trump, the source said.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Trump has granted clemencies and commutations to people who owe more than $1.3 billion in restitution money, combined, to victims of white collar crime, according to the former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who tallied the money using court records.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Michael consulted the on-line National Archives (archives.gov) in confirming historical events for this post.
    Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Get help: Practice good sleep hygiene, and if problems continue, consult a healthcare provider.
    Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • In a survey of 404 regular users of AI companionship apps, researchers at MIT Media Lab found that 12 percent of respondents initially sought out these systems to cope with loneliness, and 14 percent used them to discuss personal or mental-health issues.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • There were hundreds of paintings in the show, but this was one of only maybe five that were discussed in the newspapers.
    Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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