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

School teachers can’t afford to be there. —Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

As noted earlier, most antitrust cases fail, and courts generally afford defendants substantial deference. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2026

This reflects a historical and fundamental societal disregard for Black children, particularly Black boys, as human beings — a society that does not extend to them the same presumption of childhood or worthiness of grace that is typically afforded to white children. —Erika Strauss Chavarria, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2026

Extra security is nice to have, but this add-on is likely only worth it for larger organizations that can afford the extra expense, or for teams that handle particularly sensitive information. —Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026