Synonym Chooser

How does the verb donate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of donate are afford, bestow, confer, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use afford instead of donate?

The synonyms afford and donate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could bestow be used to replace donate?

While the synonyms bestow and donate are close in meaning, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would confer be a good substitute for donate?

The meanings of confer and donate largely overlap; however, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

When might give be a better fit than donate?

In some situations, the words give and donate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would present be a reasonable alternative to donate?

Although the words present and donate have much in common, 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 donate If a person is found to be a match, the process of donating stem cells is generally as simple as donating blood. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2025 The man wielding that chainsaw — literally on stage at a conservative political conference in late February — has been Elon Musk, the world's richest man, CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX. Musk ingratiated himself with Trump by donating millions for his presidential campaign. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025 Resting at auction and donate the proceeds to the organization. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025 Keiser said fans responded by donating ears in a variety of themes — Haunted Mansion, Star Wars, Main Street Electrical Parade, Minnie Mouse — from personal piles and storage. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
Verb
  • More than 2,000 employees have volunteered for a reassignment.
    Ashley Lopez, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents.
    Angela D. Harper, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That means investing in smarter border security, expanding legal pathways, and protecting the rights of asylum seekers and immigrant families who contribute so much to our communities.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Similar to some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease that contributed to John Paul II’s death.
    Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While disruptive to e-commerce, the end of de minimis treatment of Chinese goods could give a boost to retailers less reliant on e-commerce or on Chinese manufacturing.
    Helen Reid, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Haack has also moved on with boyfriend Christopher Larocca, CEO and president of Network Connex, and has been giving her followers a look at their relationship on social media.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on donate

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