AWARD Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

award 1 of 2

noun

Definition of award

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

award

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈwȯrd

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 42nd edition of the Warsaw International Film Festival is wrapping up on Sunday after its winners were unveiled during a Saturday night awards ceremony. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026 The Academy Museum gala has quickly become one of the most star-studded events of the second half of the year, serving as a soft opening to the upcoming awards season. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 18 Oct. 2026

Verb

Eleven shows were cancelled in the 2024-2025 television, four awarded the Stamp and seven not. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 Los Angeles was awarded the Games in September 2017, giving it nearly 11 years to prepare. — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for award

Recent Examples of Synonyms for award

Noun

That the accusation is being made against an African writer about a prize celebrating African writing is something others have noticed and called out.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
That jackpot wasn’t the Mega Millions top prize, which will be at $403 million for Friday’s drawing, or the Jackpot Triple Play, which will be at $500,000.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of prize

Noun

The show’s creative team was able to concentrate on making the series itself rather than second-guessing every decision to appeal to the international market.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
The review describes cognitive and behavioral consequences that can include impairments in working memory, decision making and emotional regulation.

— Shahrzad Jalali, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of decision

Verb

Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
In a world that rewards keeping appearances, Space Afrika makes conveying honesty and vulnerability look easy.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of reward

Verb

The International Seabed Authority has granted 17 exploration licenses in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, with five held by China, whose researchers conducted this viral survey.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
That is particularly true given the uncertain future of the federal Protect College Sports Act, which, among other things, would grant the NCAA antitrust immunity on eligibility matters.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of grant

Noun

Although only founded in 2016, the RIBA International Prize is arguably the most prestigious accolade awarded to a single building.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
The Mexican pop icon will receive the accolade in recognition of an exceptional career spanning over three decades and his enduring influence on Latin music.

— Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of accolade

Verb

Measuring more than 10 feet by 9 feet, Amwan Agwe… (2026), for example, depicts green hills and blue waves alongside the skulls, candles, and fish that nod to Fèt Gede, Haiti’s annual festival honoring the spirits of the dead.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
On Tuesday night at the Prospect Park Borough building, they were honored as outstanding citizens for their quick thinking, courage and life-saving acts.

— Kerri Corrado, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of honor

Noun

One of Bilton and Weiss’s signature new on-air hires is the conservative writer Ross Douthat, formerly an opinion columnist for the Times.

— Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Much of its work, particularly on national security matters, remains shielded from public view, but some of the office’s conclusions have emerged in often dense legal opinions.

— Perry Stein, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of opinion

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awaking

award

awarded

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Style

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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verb

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