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 Oxford conferred an honorary doctorate on Franklin in 1762 for his electrical discoveries. Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 Trump could also try to invoke Section 301, which confers powers to combat unfair trade practices, or Section 232, which applies to national security situations. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 Over time, the population accumulates mutations and sometimes one of them confers an advantage to the species. D. Scott Schmid, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 The degrees will be conferred May 9, 2026, Arnn said. John Wisely, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
Verb
  • In addition, the house includes two parking spots, granting ample parking space for two vehicles.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The labels have for the most part taken a cautiously experimental approach to AI music in the past several years, granting licenses to a few companies to create tools like AI voice clones or music generators, but suing several developers who didn’t get licenses for their models.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Deverell consulted with model ship builder Matthew Betts to ensure the historical accuracy of the build.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
  • William, Prince of Wales, and other members of the royal family were consulted during the discussions.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But sources told Fortune that these cuts are being discussed differently internally than the typical URA process.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • At this year’s Latin Music Week, multiple companies will offer their expertise and their artists to discuss new philosophies and actions to develop artists for the long term.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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