Synonyms of afford

afford

verb

ə-ˈfȯrd 

as in to go

to have enough money for

we can't afford a new car this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• go
• get
• swing
• purchase
• obtain
• take
• procure
• offer
• acquire
• pay (for)
• finance
• expend
• cover
• secure
• subsidize
• underwrite
• outlay
• bid
• spring (for)
• pick up
• pony up
• endow
• bankroll

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb afford contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of afford are bestow, confer, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," 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 is bestow a more appropriate choice than afford?

The words bestow and afford can be used in similar contexts, but bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would confer be a good substitute for afford?

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

confer an honorary degree

When can donate be used instead of afford?

The words donate and afford are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use give instead of afford?

The meanings of give and afford largely overlap; however, 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 might present be a better fit than afford?

Although the words present and afford have much in common, present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of afford

Other critics note that the benefits of Energy Star are more accessible to wealthier consumers who can afford up-front investments, even with available rebates. —Magali A. Delmas, The Conversation, 12 June 2025

Investors should take comfort in knowing Allison Transmission will be able to afford to pay its dividends and repurchase shares due to its large FCF generation. —David Trainer, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

The company, which has $30 billion in cash reserves, can certainly afford to write the kind of big check that could make a deal happen overnight. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 June 2025

Of course, normal consumers wouldn’t be able to afford Google Beam. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025