Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confer are afford, bestow, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can afford take the place of confer?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, 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 can bestow be used instead of confer?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When might donate be a better fit than confer?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace confer?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use present instead of confer?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer, 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 confer Airport traffic and safety: The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Defense Department are conferring about why the Pentagon ignored a DOT direction not to fly helicopters near D.C.’s Reagan National Airport because of safety restrictions. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 May 2025 The honor will be conferred on May 7 during the awards ceremony, aired live in primetime on national broadcaster Rai 1 from the Cinecittà Studios in Rome. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 May 2025 Sitting in the front of the audience was Mr. Miller, who had moments earlier conferred with Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, about the pending deportations. Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 Other duties include conferring with and assisting less experienced administrative law judges with challenging cases; providing guidance and assisting with the development and implementation of new office policies and procedures and the improvement of existing policies and procedures. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
Verb
  • Deservingly, on the biggest of stages in England, the 25-year-old was granted the time to showcase that importance.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • For decades, California has been granted special authority to set its own vehicle-emission standards by utilizing waivers issued by the EPA.
    Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • In a recent report on the state of AI studios, consulting firm FBRC.ai found the focus shifting from gee-whiz tech to traditionally rigorous storytelling.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 May 2025
  • Forbes also consults news reports and salary databases such as Capology, Over the Cap and Spotrac.
    Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • An Israeli military official, who requested anonymity to discuss operational details, said that some ground troops had begun to advance in Gaza, but declined to say when, where or how far.
    Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • During a session for agents at the NFL Combine in February 2025, NFLPA officials referenced but did not discuss the action and seemed to indicate that CARD would take it up but did not provide any further details.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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