Definition of furnishnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb furnish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of furnish are accoutre, appoint, equip, and outfit. While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

When would accoutre be a good substitute for furnish?

The synonyms accoutre and furnish are sometimes interchangeable, but accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

When is appoint a more appropriate choice than furnish?

The words appoint and furnish can be used in similar contexts, but appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

When can equip be used instead of furnish?

While the synonyms equip and furnish are close in meaning, equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

Where would outfit be a reasonable alternative to furnish?

While in some cases nearly identical to furnish, outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

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 furnish Some rooms have French doors leading to private decks furnished with patio sets, while others have beds that recess into the original mansard roofline. Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 His speed has been evident on the practice field, and his 6-foot-4, 198-pound frame has furnished a catching radius that all Carolina quarterbacks in camp have benefited from — from Bryce Young, to Kenny Pickett, to Haynes King. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2026 The six-bedroom home, which is being offered furnished, comes with an infinity pool and a private path to the water. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 July 2026 The room was furnished before anyone thought to ask who did the furnishing. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for furnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for furnish
Verb
  • In addition to being under-equipped in terms of intelligence and logistics, Nigeria’s army has had a problem with poor remuneration that impedes counter-terrorism campaigns.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of the delivery, baby Aloni's first outfit was picked out, mom's bag was packed, and dad was fully equipped with the birthing plan and prepared for all scenarios.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Eco effort The property has invested in a resort-wide recycling program, providing recycling bins at various touch points and committing to all cups, service ware, and to-go containers being made from recycled materials.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of Tuesday’s practice, head coach Jeff Hafley eased concerns surrounding Jackson, describing the injury as day-to-day while noting the absence provides an opportunity to evaluate the team’s depth along the offensive line.
    Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In Braham, located in a more rural area north of Minneapolis, public works personnel also discovered the problem Monday after noticing the well supplying the city's water tower was malfunctioning.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • And owner Jeffrey Lurie’s willingness to supply Roseman the cash necessary to push cap hits into the distant future has long allowed Roseman to retain core players.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Nicolás Fernández scored on a penalty kick in the 9th minute to give NYCFC (7-6-5) an early lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Wearing bold, high-quality, or timeless pieces is best to give you that boost in confidence this August.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Furnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furnish. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on furnish

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster