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 His audience knows to expect such stuff from him on a regular basis, and surely ABC executives had time after his Monday taping to confer on the suitability of his monologue for that evening. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 As a result, high-sodium vegetable juices may reduce the benefits conferred by medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Sep. 2025 Opposing the United States, however, may confer less of a domestic benefit in the future. Michelle Gavin, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2025 Endophytes confer additional traits useful for a changing planet. Anna Marija Helt, JSTOR Daily, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
Verb
  • The judge has refused to grant bail twice since the jury returned its verdict, citing Combs’ history of violence.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The groups invoked shareholder rights under Delaware law to obtain information from corporations; such requests are granted only in cases of a breach of fiduciary duty and not for routine management decisions.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Common calls came for gaps to be bridged, capacity to be built, benefits to be shared, stakeholders to be consulted, and inequalities to be redressed.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In Fiji, India, and Zimbabwe, citizens have the right to consult a legal practitioner of their own choosing.
    Sophia Rosenfeld September 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Back in Europe, regional leaders will converge in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss measures to bolster the continent’s security, following a recent spate of airspace incursions in countries including Denmark, Poland, Romania and Estonia.
    Tasmin Lockwood,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Women who are at higher risk with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss timing of screening with their health care provider.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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