Synonyms of afford

afford 1 of 2

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

affordable

2 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈfȯr-də-bəl 

1

as in popular

being within the financial means of most people

once those electronic devices became affordable, sales skyrocketed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• popular
• accessible
• cheap
• discount
• inexpensive
• low
• reasonable
• low-end
• budget
• modest
• rock-bottom
• moderate
• bargain-basement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expensive
• high
• costly
• dear
• upscale
• high-end

2

as in cheap

costing little

they've added some affordable options

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cheap
• inexpensive
• reasonable
• popular
• low
• low-end
• budget
• dirt cheap
• chintzy
• cheapie
• cut-price
• cut-rate
• dime-store
• cheapo
• discounted
• bargain-basement
• discount
• reduced
• el cheapo
• moderate
• worthless
• lowered
• wholesale
• cheapish
• valueless
• fire-sale
• ultracheap
• supercheap

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expensive
• valuable
• high
• costly
• pricey
• premium
• precious
• deluxe
• dear
• spendy
• inflated
• prohibitive
• increased
• extravagant
• exorbitant
• unreasonable
• steep
• high-ticket
• stiff
• invaluable
• luxurious
• priceless
• overpriced
• superexpensive
• prohibitory
• ultraexpensive

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

Verb

But many more have trouble affording the costly shots. —ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026

In the United States alone, residential and commercial buildings account for a large share of total energy use, while millions of households struggle to afford heating. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Raman drew 17% support, followed by conservative reality TV personality Spencer Pratt at 14%, left-leaning affordable housing advocate Rae Huang at 8% and tech entrepreneur Adam Miller at 6%. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

The SwitchBot Air Purifier Table provides a relatively affordable way to eliminate airborne pollutants in rooms of up to 360 square feet. —John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026