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 The girl’s mother, herself a medical worker, agreed to have her daughter’s organs donated. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 The group's Facebook page has information on how to volunteer and donate. Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025 After sharing her frustrations on social media, White was able to get 10 chairs donated from the First United Methodist Church and eventually signs were put up. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025 Joan and Irwin Jacobs, married for nearly 70 years, have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to medical, scientific, technology, art and educational causes in San Diego. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
Verb
  • If folks will volunteer, it can be composed of two- or three-member teams of neighbors patrolling, if possible, at the approximate times these crimes are occurring.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2025
  • Ader, who began volunteering nine years ago, started by donating items and later decided to become more hands-on.
    Ava Nightingale, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Editor’s note: This information was contributed by Our Companions Animal Sanctuary.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
  • Fox News Digital's Alex Koch contributed to this article.
    Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The ranges are sourced from quarterly tax documents, and employers must give their permission for the department to release their names.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
  • The Dallas Mavericks gave fans their first look at Cooper Flagg through the first two games of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on donate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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