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
Bain and eBay’s data shows that, at present, consumers actually reap about two-thirds of the value DPPs offer today. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 17 July 2025 Plus, having our father present made this even more important. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 16 July 2025
Adjective
Interestingly, those same factors are present in golf. Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Some of the companies mentioned in this column are past or present clients of the authors’ employers. François Candelon, Fortune, 11 July 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
  • Here’s how Wheeler has fared against current Padres in the regular season: The 35-year-old veteran threw 41 of his 63 pitches for strikes in Monday’s season debut, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks in 3⅔ innings in a loss.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • In its current form, the restaurant offers a five-course tasting menu for the rough equivalent of $82 with the option of an even more affordable three-course meal for about $59.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Golf offers a social structure for meeting people—whether through memberships, public courses, or group outings.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Turner spoke to reporters in Las Vegas Saturday when he was officially introduced as a member of the Bucks.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Other elements and locations featured in the Phoenix episode include the iconic lowrider culture — an emblematic piece of Chicano identity, which will be introduced in the series through a car show at El Reposo Park showcasing the Sophisticated Few Car Club.
    Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Matthew Suarez, the CBP’s acting director of field operations in Baltimore, urged the public to donate money or time to animal shelters in a post on social media platform X.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • The report highlights that to date, the Certified B-Corp company has donated 1,500,000 trees and reforested nine million square meters.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • And the ongoing chaotic tariff environment continues to exacerbate persistent supply chain instability.
    Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • See a healthcare provider if puffiness is ongoing, bothersome, or comes with other symptoms.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pink Floyd Claims 10% of the Chart The band fills four spaces on the Official Rock & Metal Albums chart this frame, claiming 10% of all available real estate.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Anthropic said many of these integrations are available on Tuesday, with more to come.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • After the winners were announced, the couples were given two envelopes, one of which contained the $100,000 cash prize and the other didn’t.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Three spacious pools give you the choice between a saltwater mini-lap pool, the beach infinity pool or the adult pool which is conveniently located just step away from the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • If folks will volunteer, it can be composed of two- or three-member teams of neighbors patrolling, if possible, at the approximate times these crimes are occurring.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2025
  • Ader, who began volunteering nine years ago, started by donating items and later decided to become more hands-on.
    Ava Nightingale, Freep.com, 18 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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