present 1 of 4

present

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noun (2)

as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

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adjective

present

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb present contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of present are afford, bestow, confer, donate, and give. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

In what contexts can afford take the place of present?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might bestow be a better fit than present?

While in some cases nearly identical to present, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When is it sensible to use confer instead of present?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

Where would donate be a reasonable alternative to present?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace present?

While the synonyms give and present are close in meaning, 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

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 present
Noun
But now reports indicate that Bezos is going the extra mile to get his new wife a wedding present. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 7 July 2025 Lamm theorizes that computers and AI simulation would play a huge role in bringing a species like dinosaurs into our present. Katie Grant, Parents, 3 July 2025
Adjective
Interestingly, those same factors are present in golf. Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Some of the companies mentioned in this column are past or present clients of the authors’ employers. François Candelon, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Verb
The jury was presented evidence for nearly two weeks, during which about two dozen witnesses testified. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025 The latter presents the firm with more advertising opportunities, too. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • Technical Defenses: Publishers must invest in organically evolving detection systems that can identify current manipulation techniques and evolve to counter new ones.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • There is no legal precedent for a president revoking the citizenship of a U.S.-born citizen, and such a move has no legal basis under current law.
    Erin Doherty, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Disaster response offers survivors a chance to find meaning in their hardships, to turn their personal losses into collective relief.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
  • The country has more than 800 miles of coastline and 300 beaches, divided between its Pacific and Caribbean sides, with something to offer any coast-loving traveler.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Thomas was introduced by women's swimming head coach Mike Schnur to the women's swimmers during a team meeting in Fall 2019 as their incoming teammate.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Despite the Maxton Hall books publishing in 2018, more readers will now be introduced to the books for the first time.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • After sharing her frustrations on social media, White was able to get 10 chairs donated from the First United Methodist Church and eventually signs were put up.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Many users come to GoFundMe after a natural disaster or other event to find causes to donate to.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The ongoing weakness in the dollar reflects the sense of uncertainty that has pervaded the economy in the last few months.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • More than half of its 50 million population is in need of humanitarian assistance as residents suffer from famine and disease outbreaks amid ongoing conflict.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • But if McDavid ever does become available, Toronto would have to find a way to get involved in the bidding.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • Also driving interest in high-yielding Chinese stocks is mainland China investors looking for higher returns than generally available domestically, a team led by J.P. Morgan’s Wendy Liu said in a late June report.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • By contrast, people given placebo injections lost around 200 grams.
    Rachel Fieldhouse, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • The result gives your look an effortless dose of cool when tucked into anything from black jeans to colorful wide-leg trousers.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
  • The public can volunteer on any or all of the days.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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