present 1 of 4

present

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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

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adjective

present

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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
The journey from that dire past powers their defiant present. James Boyd, New York Times, 21 June 2025 The Council this week passed the non-binding resolution by a 12-0 vote, with one councilor, Sharon Durkan, voting present. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025
Adjective
The police officers were present while all three boys drowned in the river, though they were never convicted for drowning the boys, the circumstances suggest the officers played a pivotal role in their deaths. Danielle Broadway, Parents, 18 June 2025 Several Brighton players past and present joined forces with Milner and Lallana, creating the Two Plus Three Two Plus Four ownership syndicate. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Verb
In a lengthy post on the town’s Facebook page issued Thursday night, the town of Chesterton presented a detailed rebuttal. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 Defense can turn to reasonable doubt Unable to present an official alibi or suggest specific alternate perpetrators of the killings, the defense will likely focus on raising reasonable doubt that Kohberger committed the crimes. Jean Casarez, CNN Money, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • Its current placement suggests that the smash will continue to find space on the Hot 100 for several more weeks.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • While further antibiotics were prescribed, vets believe toxoplasmosis is likely not the cause of current symptoms.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Located within The Flat Iron Hotel, Luminosa offers a hyper-local, sustainable take on Italian cuisine.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • As part of its commitment to employee well-being, AGI Denim also introduced a childcare unit and dispensary facility at the Apparel Park.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 19 June 2025
  • One bill has passed in the House and two bills have been introduced in the Senate.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • In short, the legislation currently bouncing around Congress would, at least temporarily, allow anyone who donates to charity to get a tax break — not just the mega-philanthropists among us.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 19 June 2025
  • The tournament also donates 100 percent of its net proceeds to charity every year, generating more than $3.2 million for 200 charities throughout the New England region in 2024.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Geneva resident Heidi Cristina likes coming to Swedish Days in the city, bringing her daughter Kendall, 8, on Saturday morning to the ongoing festival along with some of Kendall’s friends.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
  • And, in severe cases, the brain’s physical architecture begins to shift in response to the ongoing sense of danger.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ticket packages for the World Cup became available on May 6, but only for those individuals who are looking for a premium experience.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Ample support facilities are also available — including production rooms, make-up rooms, dressing rooms, camera and prop rooms, and catering areas — as well as a 40-acre exterior lot.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • That arc gave us both such emotional depth to play with.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • Arbus gives them all a focussed attention—a look that feels more like curiosity than concern.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Since its founding, Project Neighbors has volunteered over 100,000 hours to the construction and renovation of more than 100 properties.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • Diep currently volunteers at Emboldly, a nonprofit focused on empowering women to step into leadership roles.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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