as in gift
something given to someone without expectation of a return
the company's annual Yuletide bestowals include a holiday party and substantial bonuses
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Recent Examples of bestowal
The bestowal of titles is a centuries-old practice in the royal family.
—
Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
That list had some of the feeling of the bestowal of the King’s birthday honors, except that nearly everyone on it had been charged with a federal crime.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals.
—David C. Kennedy, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Sep. 2025
If George becomes heir to the throne before finishing school, William may delay any bestowal of the Prince of Wales title.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
That list had some of the feeling of the bestowal of the King’s birthday honors, except that nearly everyone on it had been charged with a federal crime.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025
Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals.
—David C. Kennedy, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Sep. 2025
If George becomes heir to the throne before finishing school, William may delay any bestowal of the Prince of Wales title.
—Simon Perry, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestowal
Noun
-
The defendant had just delivered a box of Barbies to the family’s Wise County home — Barbies that Athena’s stepmother had ordered as a Christmas gift for the 7-year-old.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Other gifts included a traditional Bedouin tent and tables, cushions and carpets that Epstein later set up on his island.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Those supporting the family were seeking $55,000 in donations to pay for funeral costs, as well as medical and everyday bills.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Reframe the purpose of your family's donation pile.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its founder and one-man operator, Jack Kavanagh, is trusted for his unvarnished, unbiased presentation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
-
As Elder noted in his presentation, the forechecker who creates the original turnover often never touches the puck and therefore never gets any credit in a traditional box score.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Yet, neither the nostalgia nor the whimsy present makes this revival feel worthwhile.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This set-it-and-forget-it gift is the Mother’s Day present that keeps on giving.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bestowal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestowal. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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