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
After all, tracking down the perfect present for the happy couple can be a treat for wedding guests too. Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2025 Gift certificates are also available and make the perfect present for a loved one in need of a great big cow hug. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
While there were plenty of species present in the Cretaceous, they're thought to have origins that trace back to the Jurassic. ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 Two new defensive linemen were present in No. 94 and No. 72 jerseys, while the team also fielded a new linebacker wearing No. 46. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
As Davidson responded, he was regulary disrupted by more people shouting than could be removed by the two law enforcement officers present. Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2025 This lack of transparency hindered our ability to fully present our case. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • From its humble beginnings to its current role as one of the industry leaders, Vickerman continues to set the stage for holiday magic, ensuring that every season shines a little brighter.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Higher credit per person if tariff revenues exceed current projections for 2025.
    Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And not just filled, but with enough resources to offer staff raises and keep tuition flat for in-state undergrads.
    Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Delacorte offers accessible seating for those with mobility needs, with companion seats available.
    Emma Caldwell, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Bush, who directs the film along with Byron Howard, introduced Yvette Nicole Brown onstage, who will be playing the Bearoness and EMT Otter.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • MacKay, who spoke to us alongside Turner while on a break from his current Sense & Sensibility shoot, says he was introduced to the project by casting director Shaheen Baig, who asked him to have a general meeting with Jenkin to explore a potential collaboration.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Two anonymous donors each donated $500, and a third donated $1,200 to buy supplies.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Among those who donated, self-transcendent participants gave significantly more of their income than those with a personal-self worldview.
    Shane Enete, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Trump administration has sought to deport multiple student protesters who support Palestinian rights amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, calling some demonstrations antisemitic.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • However, the case is still ongoing against the Metro Nashville Police Department, a separate defendant in the lawsuit.
    Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Eagle has two bars for guests 21 and older and dining room seating available to guests of all ages.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 23 Aug. 2025
  • There are publicly available databases – such as the online detainee locator – where anyone can search for people held in ICE facilities, Rose said.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Osaka, still in her prime, gave birth in 2023 and returned in 2024.
    Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Business outlet TheStreet reported that stores had been given a grace period to implement the change that ends Aug. 31.
    James Powel, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maria Lee has volunteered teaching English to Iraqi refugee women.
    Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Employees were asked to volunteer to plan an event for all the CrowdStrikers in their neighborhood.
    Brendan Le, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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