vouchsafe

Definition of vouchsafenext

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 Anthropic’s founders adopted a special corporate structure to vouchsafe their integrity. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 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 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
  • Curry granted the young man a preliminary injunction that prevents NCAA brass from punishing Sorsby for violating — again, repeatedly — its rules on sports betting.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026
  • In the end, Collins granted a motion from Murphy’s attorneys to seek dismissal of the case, ruling the statute of limitations had expired in claims that went as far back as 2013.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Each puzzle has exactly one solution, so watch out for words or items that seem to belong to multiple categories!
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 8 June 2026
  • The designer, who graduated from Polimoda in Florence in 2015, also had a stint at Chanel.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The park said all guests must also pass through a weapons detection system at the front gate during the summer, and only bags 15 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches are permitted — with exceptions for medical and diaper bags.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
  • Detmers permitted only one hit over seven innings.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • According to some analyses, the rule led to more defensive and cautious play from players too afraid to concede the game-winning goal, despite the intention of the rule to encourage more exciting play in extra time.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Novo Nordisk acknowledges the side effects without conceding the label needs to say more.
    Ryan Brennan June 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • The beach, like many in the Caribbean and Mexico, suffered from a bit of a sargassum problem, but this is likely to clear up once hurricane season ends in November.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Bukayo Saka — England/Arsenal Saka suffers a little here from Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach depressing the final third production of all Arsenal’s attackers.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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