award 1 of 2

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
In addition to the monetary award, the SCPD has agreed to train its officers on policies regarding religious head coverings. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 Goldman: If Spencer Carbery won the award in 2023-24, maybe Dean Evason could have won this past season. The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
Sunbathers who like to chase beach days with nighttime carousing will find pristine sands (Tamarindo has been awarded Costa Rica’s Blue Flag for eco-friendly practices) and plenty of restaurants and bars a short stroll away. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 An additional $20 million was awarded for injunctive relief, bringing the total to just under half a billion dollars. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • The announcement of this year's prize will be made on October 10 at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, and prizes are officially awarded each year on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • Ryan made the trip up to Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee to claim her prize as a $640,000 lump sum, according to lottery officials.
    Olivia Lloyd July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Until this can be verified, the City Council must not come close to making any final decision.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The Trump administration's new rules mean disaster specialists can no longer 'make decisions' on their own.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • One quality that was rewarded time and again, no matter the location?
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • Investor Demand For Clarity Investors now reward focus and coherence over scale and diversification.
    Alan Brew, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • In that case, Judge Melissa DuBose of US District Court in Rhode Island granted a preliminary injunction request this month from a coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia to halt the March 27 reorganization plan.
    Rene Marsh, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Malone, notably, granted McGuirk a proxy to vote on his 887,079 Series B common stock shares (44% of the company’s voting power) last year.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
  • Mayer previously ran the Mentors at Cordova High program and was awarded the 2012 Rancho Cordovan of the Year accolade.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Erin, who had been awaiting the verdict at the courthouse since deliberations began on Thursday, openly wept upon hearing the verdict of the first count read aloud.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • In the verdict’s wake, the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) solidified an alliance with USA Gymnastics to officially sanction its competitions.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • With Pro Skater 3+4, the developers aimed to strike a balance between honoring the series’ legacy and evolving it for a new generation of players.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • For her, honoring that invisible thread of girlhood was at the heart of it all.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Were those changes enough to sway her opinion on the issue?
    Daniel Bice, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • Some people have very strong opinions on this topic.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on award

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