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
Australian officials raised concerns to a bipartisan group of lawmakers about the Pentagon’s review of the trilateral pact with the US and UK known as AUKUS, a senator present told Semafor. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit alleges that in recent months, ICE agents have been accompanying personnel from the Office of Refugee Resettlement during routine meetings with children and seeking to interrogate them without an attorney present. Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
These exoplanets, often rich in atmospheric hazes, are the most abundant species of world known at present. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025 Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jay Cannon, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
With Aisling Chin-Yee, Chase co-directed No Ordinary Man, which was presented at Cannes Docs as part of the Canadian Showcase of Docs-in-Progress. Hazlitt, 12 Sep. 2025 In her fantastical museum—for this memoir is the Wind Museum of her musings, her attempt to present the stormy atmosphere of the planet—moving air has been ingeniously captured and made into a kind of aural kaleidoscope of voices and sound. Book Marks september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • Arafat’s successor, current PA President Mahmoud Abbas, has banished and imprisoned opponents and critics.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The current Razorback defenders are well aware of the shortcomings in last year’s game.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The theater, which opened in October 2007, offers 12,000 square feet of VIP and hospitality areas and 10 dressing rooms, according to the venue's website.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Most available positions are informal, poorly compensated and offer little stability or room for career growth.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Russia's federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, also introduced temporary flight restrictions at the airport in the early hours of Tuesday.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Getty Images In the 1983 movie WarGames, which starred Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy, much of the American public was introduced to the various levels of Defcon.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier that evenings, a 4-year-old girl had died of brain injuries from an accident, and her parents had agreed to donate her organs.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Aside from the wheelchair, per Fox 13, Kings Camo donated hunting gear and Huckleberry Hiking donated hiking gear to help make hunting and hiking activities more accessible for the 11-year-old boy.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Authorities are combing through video from the scene, including this video which appears to show a person on the roof immediately following the shooting, according to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • D4vd is currently on tour, making a stop in Milwaukee this weekend before the body discovery unfolded, and planned to continue his shows despite the ongoing investigation.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As 9to5Mac reports, hypertension alerts will become available in over 150 countries and regions, including the US and the EU, next week.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That figure is currently just above 50%, extrapolating from available data.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What was meant to be a moment of silence for Kirk on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening soon gave way to flashes of a vitriolic political divide that would escalate in the aftermath of the 31-year-old’s death.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The development pool is designed to give younger players access to daily practices, training sessions and a dedicated performance staff.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The best way to make meaningful relationships is by volunteering with civic, philanthropic and industry groups.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Each turn-key kit comes with a QR code linking to region-specific videos and a hotline staffed by master gardeners who volunteer two hours a week.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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