Synonyms of confer

confer

verb

kən-ˈfər 

1

as in to grant

to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly

the British monarch continues to confer knighthood on those who are outstanding in their fields of endeavor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grant
• award
• give
• provide
• offer
• accord
• bestow
• present
• show
• contribute
• furnish
• vest
• assign
• extend
• supply
• appoint
• designate
• allocate
• donate
• proffer
• appropriate
• set
• name
• fix
• dub

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• revoke
• call
• recall
• rescind
• drop
• repeal
• nullify
• abrogate
• invalidate
• annul
• withdraw
• abort
• void
• call off
• retract
• take back
• write off
• recant

2

as in to consult

to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem

my parents are going to confer with a financial adviser about saving for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• consult
• discuss
• talk
• parley
• counsel
• advise
• treat
• argue
• confabulate
• confab
• talk over
• ventilate
• suggest
• deliberate
• debate
• moot
• bandy
• dispute
• hash (over)
• recommend
• chew over
• bat (around)
• guide
• coach
• rehash
• tutor
• refer (to)
• palaver
• direct
• kick around

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

Recent Examples of confer

Oxford conferred an honorary doctorate on Franklin in 1762 for his electrical discoveries. —Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

Trump could also try to invoke Section 301, which confers powers to combat unfair trade practices, or Section 232, which applies to national security situations. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025

Over time, the population accumulates mutations and sometimes one of them confers an advantage to the species. —D. Scott Schmid, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025

The degrees will be conferred May 9, 2026, Arnn said. —John Wisely, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025