Synonyms of bid

bid 1 of 2

noun

as in attempt

an effort to do or accomplish something

a dramatic film that is widely regarded as the comedian's last-ditch bid to be taken seriously as an actor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempt
• try
• offer
• stab
• endeavor
• go
• shot
• pass
• trial
• essay
• assay
• crack
• bash
• fling
• struggle
• whack
• undertaking
• whirl
• striving
• throes
• trial and error

bid

2 of 2

verb

ˈbid 

1

as in to order

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority

the servants were expected to do exactly as they were bidden

Synonyms & Similar Words

• order
• instruct
• tell
• ask
• command
• beg
• enjoin
• direct
• advise
• boss (around)
• request
• charge
• warn
• petition
• adjure
• appoint
• require
• force
• compel
• authorize
• counsel
• beseech
• manage
• entreat
• assign
• control
• supervise
• lead
• commission
• conduct
• coerce
• oversee
• oblige
• constrain
• superintend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mind
• keep
• follow
• comply (with)
• obey
• observe

2

as in to invite

to request the presence or participation of

as company president, I bid you all to come to our annual holiday party!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• invite
• ask
• solicit
• summon
• call
• beckon

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bid are charge, command, direct, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

she bade him be seated

How do charge and enjoin relate to one another, in the sense of bid?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

charged by the President with a secret mission

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of bid?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

a general commanding troops

How does the word direct relate to its synonym instruct, in the sense of bid?

Direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

directed her assistant to hold all calls

the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

When can enjoin be used instead of bid?

While the synonyms enjoin and bid are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet

When might order be a better fit than bid?

The words order and bid can be used in similar contexts, but order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.

ordered his employees about like slaves

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bid

Noun

Rights groups say Iran has in recent months executed 34 people in connection with the January protests in a bid to intimidate society and prevent further demonstrations. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

The film focuses on Merry, the first witch born on Christmas Day, who must defeat a coven of evil witches that has kidnapped Santa Claus in a bid to destroy Christmas. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Verb

The tool is built to allow carriers to search for and bid on repeatable freight that previously often required manual outreach. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Parker bid her character an emotional farewell on social media when the spinoff ended. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing bid

• bid fair