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award

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb award contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of award are accord, concede, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is accord a more appropriate choice than award?

Although the words accord and award have much in common, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can concede be used instead of award?

While in some cases nearly identical to award, concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can grant take the place of award?

The meanings of grant and award largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

Where would vouchsafe be a reasonable alternative to award?

The words vouchsafe and award can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 award
Noun
Representatives from these organizations were present to accept their awards and speak about the projects being funded. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025 Harrell won many awards during his time at Tech, including the Sammy Baugh Trophy winner as a junior in 2007 and the Johnny Unitas Award, AT&T All-America Player of the Year and Sporting News Co-Player of the Year honors in 2008. Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025
Verb
Houser was also just awarded the prestigious James Beard Humanitarian Award for his work. Staff Author, Southern Living, 17 June 2025 The City Council will hear bids later this summer and award a contract in the fall. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • That makes Sears the real rookie prize heading into 2025-26.
    Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The event, held at the Palladium Times Square in New York City, saw Nat Geo take home the most prizes with six, followed by Netflix with four.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Toward the end of our conversation, Victor touched on a recent decision to start moving in and out of pronouns.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
  • However, if James unexpectedly turns down the money to seek better title opportunities elsewhere — not a bad decision for the Lakers, honestly — then the ensuing roster chaos will not be the right time to make a change at the top.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Or a platform that nudges users toward sustainability goals and rewards action with real financial benefits.
    Gabriele Buffo, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • Having earned his stripes as a loyalist to this President, he's been rewarded with this lifetime nomination.
    Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Nor has any death row prisoner received a commutation since Bob Graham granted one for the last time in 1983.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Even a former federal agent who leaked classified information to an ISIS target was granted bond, despite national security concerns and government objections.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Nuno has been talked about, as such, as a realistic contender to challenge Liverpool’s Arne Slot for the manager-of-the-year accolades.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Lead performances by Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, along with supporting turns from Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny, are generating buzz and could garner another significant accolade in the name of the Hollywood creator.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • After Heard filed an appeal of the verdict, the two announced separately that the case had been settled with the money paid by Heard going to charity.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 22 June 2025
  • The verdict will go a long way toward shaping the dynamic in 2028.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • If the Emmys actually honored shows like this, just hand him the Emmy now.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 June 2025
  • The brand played a key role in honoring Thai heritage through costume and set design, with characters like Belinda and Victoria styled in Jim Thompson caftans.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • In my opinion, being an entrepreneur is more than just launching new businesses and accomplishing objectives.
    Bharath Kumar Kakkireni, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Richie’s work on himself continues to, in my opinion, sustain all hope for humanity.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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