present 1 of 4

present

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

3 of 4

adjective

present

4 of 4

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb present contrast with its synonyms?

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

present an award

In what contexts can afford take the place of present?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might bestow be a better fit than present?

While in some cases nearly identical to present, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When is it sensible to use confer instead of present?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

Where would donate be a reasonable alternative to present?

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

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace present?

While the synonyms give and present are close in meaning, 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

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 present
Noun
But now reports indicate that Bezos is going the extra mile to get his new wife a wedding present. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 7 July 2025 Lamm theorizes that computers and AI simulation would play a huge role in bringing a species like dinosaurs into our present. Katie Grant, Parents, 3 July 2025
Adjective
Different molecules absorb light in different ways, and by analysing these absorption patterns – called spectra – scientists infer what chemicals are likely to be present. Oliver Swainston, Space.com, 28 June 2025 Mushrooms are common during the rainy season; remove them if children or pets are present. 63. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Verb
The jury was presented evidence for nearly two weeks, during which about two dozen witnesses testified. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2025 The latter presents the firm with more advertising opportunities, too. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • The current threat represents the parasite's northward march through Central America over two years, reaching Mexico in November 2024 and spreading to within 700 miles of the U.S. border.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • The current valuation doesn’t meet your financial needs or expectations.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Disaster response offers survivors a chance to find meaning in their hardships, to turn their personal losses into collective relief.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
  • Managers set the lineups but only get to offer input on the starting pitchers.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Thomas was introduced by women's swimming head coach Mike Schnur to the women's swimmers during a team meeting in Fall 2019 as their incoming teammate.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Despite the Maxton Hall books publishing in 2018, more readers will now be introduced to the books for the first time.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Many users come to GoFundMe after a natural disaster or other event to find causes to donate to.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The ongoing weakness in the dollar reflects the sense of uncertainty that has pervaded the economy in the last few months.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • More than half of its 50 million population is in need of humanitarian assistance as residents suffer from famine and disease outbreaks amid ongoing conflict.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Discovery representatives declined to make executives available.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 July 2025
  • There is plenty of financial information available on the Internet.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Westerdam is comfortably sized, with 958 cabins, giving guests plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • Leo season gives us a chance to self-prioritize, stand out, and find our inner shine again.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025
  • The public can volunteer on any or all of the days.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on present

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!