Synonyms of bestow

bestow

verb

bi-ˈstō 

1

as in to donate

to make a present of

bestowed a new car on their son for graduation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• donate
• give
• volunteer
• provide
• contribute
• present
• offer
• award
• furnish
• give away
• confer
• render
• give of
• issue
• afford
• endow
• benefit
• pay
• impart
• dispense
• aid
• lavish
• assist
• throw in
• kick in
• endue
• help
• sacrifice
• extend
• chip in
• pitch in
• proffer
• regale
• administer
• comp
• hand out
• dole out
• tender
• dish out
• fork (over, out, or up)
• mete (out)
• put up
• pungle (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hold
• retain
• keep
• withhold
• preserve
• save
• lend
• sell
• advance
• pocket
• loan

2

as in to accommodate

to provide with living quarters or shelter

eventually the refugee family was bestowed in its own apartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accommodate
• house
• shelter
• lodge
• room
• board
• roof
• take in
• quarter
• camp
• bunk
• harbor
• chamber
• domicile
• secure
• shed
• stable
• home
• put up
• billet
• encamp
• ensconce
• bivouac
• tent
• roost
• bed (down)
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eject
• evict

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

Recent Examples of bestow

State workers from six departments were bestowed with California’s highest honor for public employees who have performed daring rescues in extreme conditions, including floods, wildfires and active shooter incidents. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

The overhaul is vast and ambitious, but aims to maintain the current capacity of 88,548 while preserving the spirit of the Swamp — the nickname Steve Spurrier bestowed on one of the best game-day atmospheres in college football. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026

That means raising pay in real terms, not merely bestowing nominal bumps which can be wiped out by inflation. —Randi Weingarten, Time, 11 June 2026

That’s a gift that’s earned as much as it is bestowed. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 10 June 2026