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
Advertisement The discussion began when CEO Bill Ready of Pinterest—which presented the event—brought up the challenges young people face today, and the importance of cultivating a healthy online platform. Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 June 2025 Olivia Jackson from Sage Canyon School was presented with the Arts Award for her extraordinary dedication to dance, training 26 hours each week and excelling in national competitions with versatility and passion. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025
Adjective
The police officers were present while all three boys drowned in the river, though they were never convicted for drowning the boys, the circumstances suggest the officers played a pivotal role in their deaths. Danielle Broadway, Parents, 18 June 2025 Several Brighton players past and present joined forces with Milner and Lallana, creating the Two Plus Three Two Plus Four ownership syndicate. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
Brock ordered the patient to undress in front of him, the complaint stated, and didn’t wear gloves during the procedure, which was done without a chaperone present. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Without a full band present, Stone became a one-man ensemble. Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Verb
  • Substack offers a comprehensive solution that combines website functionality, blogging capability, newsletter distribution and podcast hosting.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025
  • Built in 2023, the contemporary pad offers a total of seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, meaning there is ample space for both homeowners and visitors to catch some Zs.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • As part of its commitment to employee well-being, AGI Denim also introduced a childcare unit and dispensary facility at the Apparel Park.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 19 June 2025
  • One bill has passed in the House and two bills have been introduced in the Senate.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • In short, the legislation currently bouncing around Congress would, at least temporarily, allow anyone who donates to charity to get a tax break — not just the mega-philanthropists among us.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 19 June 2025
  • Within months, her book earned multiple international awards, opened doors to speaking engagements and inspired her to launch initiatives that aligned with her purpose—donating all 2024 proceeds to charity and expanding her message into educational spaces across the UAE and beyond.
    Michelle Gines, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the current truce, tensions between the US and China continue, as China has begun setting its own deadlines to maintain leverage in the trade war.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
  • Its current placement suggests that the smash will continue to find space on the Hot 100 for several more weeks.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Bigge gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was transported out of the stadium on a medical cart.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • And there is a robust Italian influence, one that is unsurprising given several centuries of Italian migration to the city.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 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
Adjective
  • Pakistani students walk across the Pakistan-Iran border after returning from Iran in Taftan, in Balochistan province, on June 19, 2025, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • And, in severe cases, the brain’s physical architecture begins to shift in response to the ongoing sense of danger.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Attorney information for him was not immediately available.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Ticket packages for the World Cup became available on May 6, but only for those individuals who are looking for a premium experience.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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