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
  • The United States, joined by the United Arab Emirates and backed by concerns from key European powers, sharply condemned the United Nations’ decision Monday to grant Iran a leadership post at a major nuclear treaty conference.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2024, Fiona Rae was among the first businesses to be granted a royal warrant by King Charles, a certification given to people or companies that have provided goods and services to the royal household.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Given the risks and the uncertainty around all aspects of the war, Kashkari said the Fed may even have to raise rates.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 May 2026
  • Plummer even had time to throw, as the offensive line held up in protection and kept the quarterback upright then entire game.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The soon-to-be 25-year-old outfielder, who served as the Yankees’ DH on Friday, did reach base in his second at-bat, working a seven-pitch, full-count walk, one of two permitted by Misiorowski.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • In 2025, 739 units were permitted that would be affordable to low-income people; the city is supposed to have permitted 788 per year to meet its goal.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Their final away game might not look great but Chelsea are on one of the worst runs in the club’s history, losing the last six games while conceding 14 goals and scoring only one.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Dick conceded that there was some avoidance on his side, too.
    Janet W. Lee, NPR, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • In addition to the 18-year-old woman who died, authorities said, others suffered gunshot and shrapnel wounds as dozens of shots were fired at the popular boating, fishing and swimming lake about 20 miles north of downtown Oklahoma City.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • Rea, who was thrust into the rotation after Cade Horton suffered a season-ending elbow injury that required surgery, allowed two runs, one earned, in 5 1/3 innings on Wednesday.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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