Synonyms of award

award 1 of 2

noun

1

as in prize

something given in recognition of achievement

Faye received the highest award in the 16 and under category for her poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prize
• accolade
• honor
• trophy
• medal
• premium
• decoration
• badge
• plume
• distinction
• blue ribbon
• kudo
• applause
• plaque
• ribbon
• cup
• plate
• tribute
• crown
• laurel
• commendation
• citation
• encomium
• eulogy
• homage
• plaudit
• compliment
• paean
• order
• panegyric
• honorable mention
• bravo
• hallelujah

2

as in decision

a position arrived at after consideration

in their award the board of arbitrators declared that both writers deserved screen credit for their contributions to the final screenplay

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decision
• verdict
• opinion
• conclusion
• determination
• judgment
• resolution
• diagnosis
• view
• call
• mandate
• choice
• ruling
• sentence
• decree
• finding
• deliverance
• instruction
• adjudication
• order
• option
• selection
• directive
• word
• conviction
• consensus
• commandment
• edict
• last word
• disposition
• belief
• charge
• dictate
• behest
• say-so
• sentiment
• mind
• notion
• feeling
• doom
• persuasion
• eye

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tie
• draw
• halt
• deadlock
• stalemate
• standoff

award

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈwȯrd 

1

as in to reward

to give something as a token of gratitude or admiration for a service or achievement

we will award the top three contestants in the essay competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reward
• honor
• commend
• praise
• remember
• hail
• compensate
• decorate
• cite
• reimburse
• pay
• repay
• salute
• applaud
• acclaim
• compliment
• recompense
• requite

2

as in to grant

to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly

custody of the boy was awarded to the grandparents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grant
• confer
• give
• vest
• accord
• provide
• bestow
• offer
• present
• show
• contribute
• donate
• supply
• furnish
• assign
• appropriate
• extend
• allocate
• name
• appoint
• designate
• proffer
• set
• fix
• dub

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• revoke
• rescind
• recall
• call
• repeal
• drop
• invalidate
• nullify
• annul
• withdraw
• void
• call off
• abrogate
• abort
• take back
• write off
• retract
• recant

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

Recent Examples of award

Noun

In all, The Times won six second-place awards, five third-place awards and one honorable mention in the Division 3 category (newspapers with 201 or more full-time editorial employees). —Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

And her public criticism of former Spanish soccer official Luis Rubiales, who kissed Bonmatí’s teammate Jenni Hermoso without permission at the World Cup award ceremony, showed her embrace of a leadership role. —Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026

Verb

Foothill Club scholarship winners The Saratoga Foothill Club awarded scholarships to local students last month, among them Saratoga High School senior Gonzalo Fernandez da Ponte for his work in the visual and performing arts. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Inspired by a wild village league where livestock are awarded as prizes, Suchao has become so popular that other provinces are now replicating its model. —Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 3 June 2026