vouchsafe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vouchsafe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vouchsafe are accord, award, concede, and grant. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

When can accord be used instead of vouchsafe?

While the synonyms accord and vouchsafe are close in meaning, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When is award a more appropriate choice than vouchsafe?

Although the words award and vouchsafe have much in common, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

In what contexts can concede take the place of vouchsafe?

The synonyms concede and vouchsafe are sometimes interchangeable, but concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

When might grant be a better fit than vouchsafe?

In some situations, the words grant and vouchsafe are roughly equivalent. However, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

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 vouchsafe Democracy is a fragile achievement, a perpetual work in progress, not the sort of thing that can be vouchsafed by a trend line — and certainly not the sort of thing that technology automatically generates. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 That’s why Phony Wars speaks to us in codes, an artist vouchsafing his feelings and intentions. Armond White, National Review, 29 Sep. 2023 Constitutionally speaking, the main reason for having federal law enforcement is to vouchsafe interstate and international commerce. The Editors, National Review, 20 Jan. 2022 Consider a test-tube example, almost ordered up to make the court’s case for it, vouchsafed by California just a few weeks ago. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 6 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vouchsafe
Verb
  • Neither Paramount nor Skydance Media has agreed to grant free advertising airtime to Trump, the source said.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Trump has granted clemencies and commutations to people who owe more than $1.3 billion in restitution money, combined, to victims of white collar crime, according to the former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who tallied the money using court records.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant (a multi-Best of Beauty Award winner) has your back, with powerful protection that won’t leave behind telltale white marks.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 29 June 2025
  • The couple made an offer immediately, having enough money tied to company stock to afford a downpayment at any time.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • In their five World Cup matches, the Netherlands conceded only two goals with Spitse on the pitch.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • To get to a supermajority on partial overrides, the four members conceded on some of Gloria’s vetoes, such as elimination of $250,000 for a homeless outreach team.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • In 2018, Amazon and Apple Inc. struck a deal that permitted Amazon to sell the latest iPhones and other products.
    Glen Luke Flanagan, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Engagement, enthusiasm and morale will suffer—and so will endurance.
    Jim Dunn, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Brink has yet to play this year after suffering a torn ACL in just her 15th WNBA game last year.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Similarly, Western governments can do more to zero in on Russia’s defense industry by sanctioning more Russian firms that manufacture essential defense equipment such as drones, missiles, and armored vehicles.
    Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
  • The final reason her time won’t be ratified is that her attempt did not occur during an actual race or a World Athletics sanctioned track meet.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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