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

The Mandarin Oriental isn’t for everyone, since a lot of us simply can’t afford to stay here. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

The burst of attention will spark interest among teens and 20-somethings, who one day will be able to afford a Royal Oak. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Also, nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act says that the HOA’s obligation to repair the property depends upon whether the HOA can afford the expense, so the duty is unconditional. —Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

Using the pardon power afforded him under the Constitution, President Eisenhower commuted the defendant-petitioner’s sentence from death to life imprisonment, subject to the condition that the defendant would not be eligible for parole. —Robert Radick, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026