Definition of furnishnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb furnish contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of furnish are accoutre, appoint, equip, and outfit. While all these words mean "to supply one with what is needed," furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

When would accoutre be a good substitute for furnish?

The synonyms accoutre and furnish are sometimes interchangeable, but accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

When is appoint a more appropriate choice than furnish?

The words appoint and furnish can be used in similar contexts, but appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

When can equip be used instead of furnish?

While the synonyms equip and furnish are close in meaning, equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

Where would outfit be a reasonable alternative to furnish?

While in some cases nearly identical to furnish, outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

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 furnish Airelles chose Tréca Paris to furnish the suites at Le Grand Contrôle, within the grounds of the iconic Château de Versailles. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Mar. 2026 There’s plenty of profit to be made off the infectious enthusiasm for the game and the frills that the flush player can furnish their setup with, but while the new crop of mahj-centric entrepreneurs are gaining, is anyone losing? Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 10 Mar. 2026 The Rousseaus furnished the property with their own artwork, antiques, heirloom porcelain, and glassware. Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 The home furnishing retailer is known for modern, aspirational furniture and decor that looks and feels high-end—but with discounts up to 62% off, there’s no need to pay luxury prices. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for furnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for furnish
Verb
  • The property is equipped with a heating system.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • My in-destination partners are equipped to handle any unexpected challenges swiftly, maintaining the quality and enjoyment of your travel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These answers are provided here to allow candidates to speak directly to our readers.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Jeff co-created the Competing Values Framework and developed the Innovation Code and Innovation Genome methodologies which provide organizations with practical tools to reconcile competing priorities and drive breakthrough performance.
    Big Think, Big Think, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For the occasion, my mother had put on her Balenciaga, a black dress with two wide shoulder straps, a firm bodice, a full skirt that ended a few inches above the ankles, and the illusion of an underskirt supplied by a band of taffeta ruffles, also black, that peeked out from beneath the hem.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • So, not only to mute the impacts of these interruptions right now, but to lead to a future where America is energy strong, energy dominant, Americans have lower energy prices, and America can help supply energy to an increasing number of our allies around the world.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Defense lawyers also claimed that four secret decrees Francis signed giving prosecutors wide-ranging powers to investigate violated the defendants' right to a fair trial.
    NICOLE WINFIELD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Doja’s assistant slips through, gives me the thumbs-up, and ushers me into a dressing room the size of a tennis court, black velvet curtains concealing the walls.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Furnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furnish. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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