Thesaurus

present

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of present

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 to bring before the public in performance or exhibition

we will present a performance of Our Town tomorrow evening

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

preview

Phrases Synonymous with present

come out with

2 to make (one person) known (to another) socially

may I present my niece Sarah?

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

3 to make a present of

the company presented a gold watch to him on the occasion of his retirement

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

sacrifice

Phrases Synonymous with present

give of

Near Antonyms for present

sell

present

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of present (Entry 2 of 4)

1 existing or in progress right now

I am very busy at the present moment

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

Near Antonyms for present

2 being within the confines of a specified place

all of you are required to be present for every meeting

Synonyms for present

attending,
in

Words Related to present

available

abounding

latent

Phrases Synonymous with present

Near Antonyms for present

nonexistent

AWOL,
truant

Antonyms for present

present

noun (1)

Synonyms & Antonyms of present (Entry 3 of 4)

the time currently existing or in progress

I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

Near Antonyms for present

present

noun (2)

Synonyms & Antonyms of present (Entry 4 of 4)

something given to someone without expectation of a return

an impressive array of presents for the bride and groom

Synonyms for present

Words Related to present

box
[British],
care package,
foy
[chiefly Scottish]

gratuity,
propine
[Scottish],
tip

dowry

Near Antonyms for present

advance,
loan

Frequently Asked Questions About present

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