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
  • Gable was granted three weeks of maternity leave, followed by three weeks of remote work, but was then instructed to return to working in close proximity to Dantzer.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • If the company can apply for conditional approval again, and if the US will grant continued relief, isn't known.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Oscar Tshiebwe had 29 points and 17 rebounds for the Jazz, who ended the season losing 11 straight road games.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Marla Mindelle, Melissa Barrera, Jim Parsons, and more have a blast on the high seas.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • City leaders have also taken a new step of prohibiting all special event permits on Picnic Day, a move intended to reduce congestion, limit overlapping crowds and allow emergency services to respond more effectively.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Kate is also not permitted to own a firearm.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Kraken have a -31 scoring differential, with 224 total goals scored and 255 conceded.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Green rarely strayed more than a few feet from the Clippers superstar, fighting through screens rather than conceding a switch.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The son was seriously injured, suffering first-degree burns to his face and second and third-degree burns to both of his hands.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Right-hander Porter Hodge, who had been dealing with a flexor strain since early in the spring training, suffered a setback in his rehab and will undergo season-ending ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery Monday.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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