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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
The 2021 film, which received a limited release due to the pandemic, won the best film award at the BFI London Film Festival for its portrayal of an Iranian roadtrip. Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills won the award in a close vote over Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
Will fly one scientific instrument awarded under NASA’s CLPS initiative. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025 The court found the ski resort 100% at fault and awarded the skier $1.5 million in damages. Betsy Z. Russell, Idaho Statesman, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for award 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • Sandler and Barrymore took home the prize for Best On-Screen Team that year at what was then called the MTV Movie Awards.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The Mega Millions jackpot has risen to $110 million for Tuesday’s drawing after no one won the top prize on Friday.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The remarks come less than a week after the FOMC voted to hold its policy rate steady in a range between 4.25% to 4.5%, a decision with which Jefferson concurred.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Palihapitiya revealed the decision partially revolved around his belief the league would soon be forced to contend with a serious competitor.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Spence played the entire second half of September’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United and was rewarded with a new contract until 2028.
    Jay Harris, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Along with setting up alerts and locking or unlocking the debit card, parents or guardians can withdraw money from the account, make one-time transfers and reward their kids for reaching savings goals by transferring money directly into their account.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Another, meanwhile, who was overlooked due to a birth defect, also got their wish of a new home granted.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • But how can Judge Coughenour guarantee that the Trump regime will grant citizenship to all children born in the United States to undocumented parents?
    Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The seven-part stalker drama, created by and starring Richard Gadd, was a standout at this past year’s Emmys, with additional awards won in Outstanding Limited Series and Writing for a Limited Series, and also brought Gunning a Golden Globe, among other accolades.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Tucson was the first stateside city to become a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, an accolade that nods to its more than four millennia of food culture that merges the tastes of many different groups, including Native American and modern Mexican.
    Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • According to the Star Tribune, the verdict came just after 11 a.m. on Thursday.
    Jacqueline Devine, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • That’s a very tight window between nominations and a final verdict.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For Batiste, the performance was a way of honoring his hometown’s storied history and offering America a moment to reflect on the country’s journey, its current state of mind, and the uncertain path ahead.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Earlier this month, Middleton honored World Cancer Day ahead of a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in London.
    Hannah Malach, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted in January found that shrinking the federal workforce — whether through job cuts or getting rid of entire agencies — has more opposition than support, although a significant share of Americans had yet to develop an opinion.
    Brian Witte, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The betting markets have a lower opinion of the Sox.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near award

Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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