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 Construction and support for programming for the libraries are paid for with private funds donated to the nonprofit organizations established by the former president. Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2025 Nearly $70 million was donated through GlobalGiving alone for frontline relief. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 Since 1995, when Trevor’s twins Joshua and Samuel died in England, the Marlborough father has dedicated his life to raising funds to donate to special care baby units throughout the country. Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 Mozer said those unable to attend in person can participate virtually by walking in their own neighborhoods and donating online. Gloria Ngwa, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
Verb
  • Ned pushes a big red button at the end of the press to see what happens, and nothing does — but then his phone starts blowing up with staffers volunteering to pitch in on his new local reporting initiative.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This year’s festival campaign includes partnerships with The Bowery Mission and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to engage New York residents to volunteer, with support from Goodera.
    Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Days after contributing two assists when playing as the No 10 in a 4-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in Brighton’s second league fixture of 2023-24, Enciso suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in training.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The federal government will deposit $1,000 into each account, with parents and others allowed to contribute up to $5,000 a year until the child reaches 18 years old.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to that, a membership gives you access to Prime Video, with unlimited streaming and original programming.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • There is tremendous demand to be part of NFL team ownership and, relative to other leagues, very few sales or transfers of ownership stakes give a buyer controlling interest in a team.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on donate

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