1
as in rewarding
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
Relevance
2
as in granting
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
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 awarding
State Superior Court Judge Thomas O'Neill ruled the prenup valid, awarding Alissa $300,000 and ordering Carl to buy her a home worth $1 million.
—
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
The typically nine-person panel of global filmmakers, actors, and artists is tasked with reviewing around 20 films before deciding the competition’s winners and awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or to one lucky film.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
After years of litigation, the court ruled in their favor in 1848, awarding them over a half-million dollars – approximately US$20 million today.
—Kimberly Nath, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
In 2025, Ninajirachi won the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year prize from the New South Wales state government, which supports its local music scene by awarding select acts with financial prizes.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026
The jury will be awarding the Palme d’or to one of the 22 films in Competition.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 May 2026
For a limited time, JetBlue is awarding Spirit Airlines loyalty members equivalent status at JetBlue.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit that typically offers two-year scholarships, surprised the group last week by awarding them all full four-year undergraduate degrees, according to The Orlando Sentinel.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The government recently opted to celebrate those turning 65 by awarding them sardines, a bar of soap and a package of toilet paper.
—Danica Coto, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
The typically nine-person panel of global filmmakers, actors, and artists is tasked with reviewing around 20 films before deciding the competition’s winners and awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or to one lucky film.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
After years of litigation, the court ruled in their favor in 1848, awarding them over a half-million dollars – approximately US$20 million today.
—Kimberly Nath, The Conversation, 7 May 2026
In 2025, Ninajirachi won the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year prize from the New South Wales state government, which supports its local music scene by awarding select acts with financial prizes.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026
The jury will be awarding the Palme d’or to one of the 22 films in Competition.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 May 2026
For a limited time, JetBlue is awarding Spirit Airlines loyalty members equivalent status at JetBlue.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit that typically offers two-year scholarships, surprised the group last week by awarding them all full four-year undergraduate degrees, according to The Orlando Sentinel.
—Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
The government recently opted to celebrate those turning 65 by awarding them sardines, a bar of soap and a package of toilet paper.
—Danica Coto, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awarding
Verb
-
The Matchball is our way of celebrating and rewarding the fans who bring the traditions and unmatched energy to every watch party … and a soccer ball that fits a 12 pack?—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
The market has been ripping for weeks, with every dip in the hottest areas of the market rewarding those daring enough to buy them.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Zelensky then issued a magnanimous, droll decree, formally granting Putin permission to hold the parade.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
-
Nine tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service over the project, alleging violations of the National Historical Preservation Act and National Environmental Protection Act for granting permits without an environmental review.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Brady, 48, also marked Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10, by sharing a series of photos honoring the women in his life — including exes Bündchen and Bridget Moynahan.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Navigating the complexities of building around Dončić while still honoring what worked over the past season won’t be easy.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
After the walk, Ryan signaled to catcher Victor Caratini and the dugout, and after conferring with Shelton and a team trainer at the mound, walked off the field.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
-
Sand on Friday led an impromptu tour through large, open-air work spaces where four employees sat conferring around a table.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Vogue's hosts asked her on the carpet, later commending her dedication to fashion, art and costume.—
Dalila Muata,
NBC news,
5 May 2026
-
Attention around Simpson has since taken off, with people commending him for his kindness and generosity.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Awarding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awarding. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
