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
Blue Ivy has been involved in several significant moments in her mother's career, including appearances at award shows and in music videos. Caché McClay, USA Today, 3 May 2025 This follows two previous waves of cancellations, in April, that terminated over a thousand awards. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 May 2025
Verb
Recently, the Coller Dolittle Challenge awarded the winner of its first $100,000 annual prize to accelerate progress toward interspecies two-way communication. Leonard David, Space.com, 23 May 2025 The film, which seemed to garner a tepid response in the room — or maybe the audience was tired after its 155-minute runtime — played late Thursday on the second-to-last night of the festival, with the ceremony that awards the Palme d’Or set for Saturday evening here to wrap up the 2025 edition. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • According to the California Lottery, not long after Rodriguez celebrated his win, another top prize for the same scratcher game was sold.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The prize is now in its fifth year, and Davis will hand out its top prize at a ceremony Friday evening.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The three ultra moderates also voiced alarm at their colleagues’ decision to scale back the mayor’s plan for increasing hiring at the fire department.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Warren catcher Katie Monroe’s patience has been rewarded on the softball field.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
  • Frequent flyer programs can represent big business for air carriers through selling miles to credit card partners and rewarding travelers with perks.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • In states where lawmakers granted Medicaid access for undocumented immigrants, hospital administrators and faith groups, along with immigrant advocates, have helped push for the expansion of benefits.
    Laura Fitzgerald, NPR, 18 May 2025
  • Deservingly, on the biggest of stages in England, the 25-year-old was granted the time to showcase that importance.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Each year teams of anonymous Michelin inspectors scour tasting menu restaurants, food stalls, neighborhood spots, wine bars and beyond for its compendium that can rate restaurants from one to three stars: accolades widely recognized as one of the highest achievements in the restaurant industry.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • On Instagram, the restaurant’s owner Tuan Le expressed gratitude to the Michelin Guide and to customers for the accolade.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan James of the Miami Field Office.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 May 2025
  • One of the leading causes of the current fiscal crisis is the ballooning liability payments that the city makes in settlements and jury verdicts.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • This involves pairing each nursing student with an experienced nurse preceptor from day one — an approach that builds clinical confidence early while honoring the vital role of bedside nurses in education.
    Shakira Henderson, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Last year, he was honored with a trophy for a voice role in the 2023 U.K. action thriller Control by the Folkestone Independent Film Awards in addition to receiving Italy’s Nations Award for Lifetime Achievement at a special gala in the historic southern Sicilian town of Taormina.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • In my opinion, using AI agents to rethink the creation, delivery and scaling of value is more effective than simply viewing them as efficiency tools.
    Umair Javed, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • The court previously annulled the 2024 presidential election, citing claims that Russia bolstered the online profile and public opinion of independent right-wing candidate Călin Georgescu, who won the preliminary round.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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