present 1 of 4

present

2 of 4

adjective

present

3 of 4

noun (1)

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

4 of 4

noun (2)

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
Verb
Gaudí actually worked on a big restoration project there, presented to Bishop Campins. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 Davis presented the 2025 award to one standout female director from the Cannes Short Film Competition or La Cinef selection. Hedy Phillips, People.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
Kids are so present and they haven't been battered by the world as much as an adult. Nick Romano, EW.com, 23 May 2025 The photographs also show how Native peoples were present during all parts of American history. Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Noun
Put another way, her perfume past does not necessarily describe her perfume present. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 21 May 2025 At present, consensus forecasts suggest that Intuit will report earnings per share of $10.91 on revenues of $7.56 billion for the upcoming quarter. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Verb
  • The episode offered clarity on what happened between the two leads after Ellie (Bella Ramsey) learned what Joel did last season.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • The 1,000-square-foot retail space offers swings, slipper art, puzzles, board, storytelling moments and a matcha bar in collaboration with the Montauk General Store.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • In December, 2023, a bill to award Taylor the Congressional Gold Medal was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • At his father’s funeral in 1957, he was introduced to Francois Truffaut, and the French legend hired him to write and direct one of the five segments in Love at Twenty (1962).
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Los Angeles has the highest number of homeless veterans in the country — which is surprising, since it's also got a massive, 388-acre Veterans Affairs campus that was donated in 1888 as a soldiers' home.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 26 May 2025
  • All proceeds will be donated to the Roger Federer Foundation.
    Alexandra Pastore, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richie tells the lawman that Harry is smart, but unhappy with his current employment with Conrad.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 26 May 2025
  • As Porsha fills her in on the current cast drama, Phaedra gives us a rundown that’s already more entertaining than half the season.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • But there are few substitutes for availability, and no player has given more to Spurs this season than Porro.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • In the first instance, Annapolis needs to give Baltimore City full control over its own tax rates.
    Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Derek Condit, author of The Natural Beekeeper's Path: Treatment-Free Practices for a Living World, volunteered to help collect the bees.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • My company, Reboot Partners, will be volunteering to help advance these initiatives with governments and the private sector.
    Dean DeBiase, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • China remains the hub for global electronics manufacturing, including for PC graphics cards, video game consoles, and smartphones, although companies have been moving their manufacturing to India, Vietnam and Taiwan to avoid Trump’s ongoing trade war.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Beige embroidery on indigo and acid washes with embroidery nod to the ongoing country and vintage trends.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to a report published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) last year, total spend in the sector generated a total $421 billion and $119 billion in tax revenue in 2022, the most recent year in which full data was available.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • The film will be available on several digital platforms including Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Microsoft, Movies Anywhere, Prime Video and YouTube.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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