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
  • Policy experts at the Pentagon were brought in to discuss a potential invasion of Kharg Island, the jewel of Iran’s oil industry, to draw lessons from planning a defense of Taiwan, according to a Defense official, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Suzanne, seeing perhaps an easy mark, passes herself off as just the person who can grant his wife, and thus begins her phony side hustle.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • McGlynn gave the Dynamo a three-goal lead in the 55th with assists from Ennali and Santos, who already has five helpers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • Natural light pours into the bathrooms, and ground-floor accommodations have alfresco showers (playfully dubbed secret gardens).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Hernandez will continue competing under CIF rules permitting transgender participation and is scheduled to compete Saturday, May 16, before advancing to the CIF finals in Clovis later this month.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Current law permits officers who receive waivers to continue working until age 60, despite the standard mandatory retirement age of 57 or after 20 years of service, whichever comes later.
    Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Everyone in the Democrat Party in Illinois was conceding the race to Republican Attorney General Jack Ryan.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • But the team still gives up too many goals, with nine goals conceded over the past three games.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • What wasn’t in the plan was that Durkin, who’s also a baseball player for the Eagles, would suffer a minor groin injury running the bases during Monday’s 7-6 win over Homewood-Flossmoor.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The outlet reported three people suffered injuries in the crash.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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