award 1 of 2

award

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb award contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of award are accord, concede, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is accord a more appropriate choice than award?

Although the words accord and award have much in common, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can concede be used instead of award?

While in some cases nearly identical to award, concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can grant take the place of award?

The meanings of grant and award largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

Where would vouchsafe be a reasonable alternative to award?

The words vouchsafe and award can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 award
Noun
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 May 2025 Travis ended up finishing fifth in Heisman trophy voting behind wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and quarterbacks Bo Nix, Michael Penix Jr., and Jayden Daniels, the latter of which took home the award. Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Verb
States also earned higher scores when virtual schooling was available statewide, and points were awarded to states that allowed intradistrict and interdistrict open enrollment. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in age categories, along with an overall winner. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • In addition to recognizing exceptional talent, proceeds from the Driskell Gala support the museum’s David C. Driskell African American Art Acquisition and Endowment Funds, which have enabled the High to acquire 52 works by Black artists since the prize’s inception.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • Hidden amongst the Faithful are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article 5 min Sheryl Crow opened up about her decision to leave Los Angeles behind to start a new chapter of her life in Tennessee.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
  • The Lovers arrive to suggest that a key relationship or decision will take center stage this month.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • For the most part, Trump has been especially good to those who line his pockets, rewarding them with all kinds of preferential treatment.
    Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, the terrorist sect has been rewarded for its efforts by Israeli strikes culminating in the total destruction of the Sanaa airport.
    The Editors, National Review, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • On Friday, a court granted Prayudh and Ausana bails at 1 million baht (US$30,175) each.
    Phisanu Phromchanya, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • Teaching faculty, on the other hand, usually are paid from general university funds, which might come in from sources such as tuition, rather than grant funding.
    Brady Thomas West, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Scherzinger, 46, is receiving accolades for another Broadway production, Sunset Blvd.
    Lawrence Yee, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • The success of Un Verano Sin Ti—nominated for a Grammy for album of the Year, and the first album by a Latin artist to have 10 billion streams on Spotify, as well as being the album with the most streams in 2022 and 2023, among other accolades—gave him self-confidence.
    Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The eventual not guilty verdict on March 26 shocked Knutson's family and friends.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 May 2025
  • After a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the initial murder trial last year, Read is being retried on charges including second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, chose his papal name to show his commitment to peace and reconciliation by honoring St. Benedict and Pope Benedict XV, who was head of the church during World War I, Temple said.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 May 2025
  • In 2023, the gala honored the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, with references to his unique style and combination of black, white and leather, as well as his beloved cat Choupette.
    Renee Anderson, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • And the 69-year-old Leo has a trail of social media posts promoting opinion articles critical of Vice President JD Vance ‒ one as recent as April 14 ‒ over Vance's interpretation of Scripture and his position on immigration.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • As the years have passed and new storylines are tackled, John has tried to set some serious boundaries with Barb and her overbearing opinions.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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