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 Bezos donated €1 million ($1.17 million) each to three environmental research organizations working to preserve Venice, though many protesters dismissed this as insufficient compensation for the city's exploitation. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 Scott is a novelist and philanthropist who has donated billions to various causes. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Bezos, the world’s third richest person, and Sánchez, requested that in lieu of gifts, guests donate to local organizations supporting the preservation of Venice. Sarah Polus, The Hill, 28 June 2025 In addition to the celebration, the network will donate $10,000 to charitable organizations in honor of Bates. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
Verb
  • Since its founding, Project Neighbors has volunteered over 100,000 hours to the construction and renovation of more than 100 properties.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Diep currently volunteers at Emboldly, a nonprofit focused on empowering women to step into leadership roles.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Sarah Stier/Getty Images Flagg is a generational talent who is expected to contribute for the Mavericks starting day one.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
  • Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights also contributed to that site, with student council members selling cookies and raising $1,000 to buy toys.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • That arc gave us both such emotional depth to play with.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Arbus gives them all a focussed attention—a look that feels more like curiosity than concern.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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