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 Ashley is designing and furnishing a reading room for Buckner's students to enjoy. Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026 Their bigger obstacle was the furniture already inside the dorm, since Nunez says USC’s rooms came furnished and the original pieces could not be removed. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors believe Davis furnished the gun Anderson allegedly used to kill Shakur. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026 The award comes with a $5,000 cash prize furnished by Drew Associates. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for furnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for furnish
Verb
  • Private sector capabilities are better equipped to do so, but they are typically barred by law from touching attackers’ systems.
    Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The wrist braces resemble the kind sold at a drugstore to help with tendon pain, the only difference being each comes equipped with a 7-pound weight at the end.
    Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.
    Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Salt vendors then bid to supply the salt, and municipalities buy at the winning bid price under that joint contract.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Water for the golf course is supplied by laser, effective in water-saving.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Wrangle the camera crew, line up the weirdly uninspiring but nonetheless eye-wateringly expensive homes, and for the love of God, somebody give the British TV presenting duo Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp a ring.
    Lauren O’Neill, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor splashed a wide-open triple from the top of the arc with 30 seconds to go to give tie the game, and then broke the visitors hearts to improve the Sky’s record to 14-22.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Furnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furnish. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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