bestow

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bestow contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bestow are afford, confer, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would afford be a good substitute for bestow?

In some situations, the words afford and bestow are roughly equivalent. However, afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

the trees afford shade
a development that affords us some hope

When is confer a more appropriate choice than bestow?

While in some cases nearly identical to bestow, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can donate take the place of bestow?

The meanings of donate and bestow largely overlap; however, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use give instead of bestow?

While the synonyms give and bestow are close in meaning, give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

give alms
gave her a ride on a pony
give my love to your mother

When might present be a better fit than bestow?

The synonyms present and bestow are sometimes interchangeable, but present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

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 bestow Zarutska, who had a degree in art and restoration from Synergy College in Kyiv, often bestowed her art on family and friends. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 For now, difficulties appear to extend beyond those bestowed with a diploma. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 Young ended up 13-for-30 for 161 yards, took four sacks and had two interceptions in a 47-10 beatdown bestowed by the New Orleans Saints (who would end the season 5-12). Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025 The Miami Dolphins linebacker believes leadership is something innate to every person, not something bestowed at the start of every season. Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bestow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestow
Verb
  • Earlier that evenings, a 4-year-old girl had died of brain injuries from an accident, and her parents had agreed to donate her organs.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Aside from the wheelchair, per Fox 13, Kings Camo donated hunting gear and Huckleberry Hiking donated hiking gear to help make hunting and hiking activities more accessible for the 11-year-old boy.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • And the rear seats can be folded down to extend the cargo space, or tipped up to accommodate taller items.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025
  • On top of that, a gallery rail system easily accommodates different frame sizes, shapes, weights, and thicknesses, which allows for ultra-layered, completely unique arrangements.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What was meant to be a moment of silence for Kirk on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening soon gave way to flashes of a vitriolic political divide that would escalate in the aftermath of the 31-year-old’s death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The development pool is designed to give younger players access to daily practices, training sessions and a dedicated performance staff.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The best-selling fall and winter candles are made of a new wax blend that’s housed in the brand’s signature large jars with fresh packaging.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Another model was stationed next to the wardrobe, which housed 2D paper doll cutout clothing.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The best way to make meaningful relationships is by volunteering with civic, philanthropic and industry groups.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Each turn-key kit comes with a QR code linking to region-specific videos and a hotline staffed by master gardeners who volunteer two hours a week.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sliwa has sheltered a large collection of rescue cats in his Manhattan apartment and has noted that Gracie Mansion is far more spacious.
    Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That game, however, is unavailable for buyers of season-ticket packages according to emails and screenshots provided to SportsMoney by multiple season ticket holders.
    Andrew Wagner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The violation is the eleventh recorded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, according to Defense Ministry figures provided to ABC News.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In February, Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an arrest detainer requesting local authorities notify ICE before Cucol-Bol is released, the agency told CNN.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The quickening of time will soon expose a partial, temporary truth, lodged within my grandmother’s premonition.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bestow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestow. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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