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
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
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
  • 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
  • All three teams have ties to current NBA ownership groups.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The festival also offers performances by local dance or music groups, lectures by Shakespeare scholars and food offerings from Tom’s Travelin’ Coffee Truck or OneSong Biscotti.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • FanDuel parent Flutter already offers the sports prediction market platform Betfair abroad.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 29 June 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
  • Joan and Irwin Jacobs, married for nearly 70 years, have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to medical, scientific, technology, art and educational causes in San Diego.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple federal health officials said planning has been ongoing for the next steps of the reorganization and merger, even as Kennedy has cited the court rulings as a reason to dodge questions about the restructuring on Capitol Hill.
    Alexander Tin, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • An investigation into the incident is reportedly ongoing.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • There is plenty of financial information available on the Internet.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Discovery representatives declined to make executives available.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The result gives your look an effortless dose of cool when tucked into anything from black jeans to colorful wide-leg trousers.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • By contrast, people given placebo injections lost around 200 grams.
    Rachel Fieldhouse, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Diep currently volunteers at Emboldly, a nonprofit focused on empowering women to step into leadership roles.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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