give

Definition of givenext
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as in to yield
to produce as revenue a company that consistently gives $30 million in profits to the owner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to transmit
to cause (something) to pass from one to another she gave her cold to me, and now I'm so sick that I can barely get out of bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb give contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of give are afford, bestow, confer, donate, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," 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

When is it sensible to use afford instead of give?

Although the words afford and give have much in common, 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 can bestow be used instead of give?

While the synonyms bestow and give 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 is confer a more appropriate choice than give?

While in some cases nearly identical to give, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can donate take the place of give?

The synonyms donate and give are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When might present be a better fit than give?

The meanings of present and give largely overlap; however, 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 give Koulibaly misjudged a clearance and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was unable to keep out substitute Marcus Pedersen’s rasping shot to give Norway the lead close to halftime. Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026 The square neckline adds a flattering, feminine touch, while the subtle volume in the sleeves gives it a slightly dressier feel than your average tee. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 Caballero's two-out single brought Tyler Holton out of the bullpen, but Austin Wells doubled to give the Yankees a two-run lead. CBS News, 24 June 2026 Steadiness gives way to deeper tensions during today’s Scorpio moon. Usa Today, USA Today, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for give
Recent Examples of Synonyms for give
Verb
  • Since the proposal was announced in October, Google co-founder Sergey Brin has donated $82 million to a political committee called Building a Better California that backs a variety of initiatives designed to blunt the billionaire tax proposal.
    Sophie Austin, Fortune, 21 June 2026
  • His family, significantly, has donated his brain to Boston University for study.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Yet robust economic growth has proved elusive, even as government debt has climbed, leaving successive administrations with little firepower to fix a growing list of related challenges, from crumbling infrastructure to a chronic housing shortage.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Adis does the right thing and asks to leave the boat.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Amid mounting outcry, Bass offered a public tribute to the dog.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake South Casco, Maine With 35 lakefront cottages and a lodge offering multiple styles of rooms, the all-inclusive Migis Lodge on Maine's Sebago Lake is a great choice for large families.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Over 14 months, Safiya -- a pediatrician by training -- became one of the most prominent voices in Gaza, speaking out on social media about the strip's collapsing healthcare system.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • In mature markets like Oregon and Colorado, wholesale flower prices have collapsed dramatically.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Leslie, Milton-Jones and Dixon discussed the WNBA’s 30-season landmark before the game, paying tribute to Ogwumike and reflecting on what the WNBPA has achieved.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Recipients born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and those born after the 20th are paid on the fourth Wednesday.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Creative energy simmers beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to be expressed.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • South Florida Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar is expressing skepticism over the Cuban government's announcement of sweeping economic reforms that would open key sectors of the island's economy to private and foreign investment.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Since Israel’s founding, members of the community who devoted themselves to Torah studies have been exempt from the nation’s compulsory military service.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2026
  • The album’s first half is all head-over-heels, dreamily devoted love songs, whimsical head rushes turned into music that recalls Lorde, the Cure, and Annie Ernaux.
    Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The study didn’t identify those schools, but Pennucci said colleges with higher graduation rates generally yielded higher earnings for their students.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Arilje and its surroundings yield berries that are exported as far as the United States and Japan.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Give.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/give. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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