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
  • In imposing tariffs, which Congress has the constitutional power to approve, Trump invoked his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), which grants the President authority to regulate commerce in light of threats that can constitute a national emergency.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Never grant remote access unless certain of official support.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • As symbols of Floyd’s place in history have faded, so too have hopes for federal police reform, commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and American optimism about the future of racial justice.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Billy has had an illustrious career over the years.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Many economists argue that trade deficits do not matter, and even proponents concede that doing so can cause short-term pain.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • Conte’s side conceded just 27 goals in 38 league games, the strongest defensive record in Serie A and 18 fewer than Inter.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
  • Our schools do not permit students in preschool through 8th grade to have cell phones on campus and high school students must keep cell phones off during instruction time, with fewexceptions.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s also a question about whether Betts’ focus on shortstop has started to have an impact on his bat, with the 32-year-old hitting just .254 on the season while suffering incremental dips in his underlying contact metrics.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • According to officials, the swimmer suffered a leg injury near the 31st Street beach access point.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • When the Church sanctions the exorcism of Emma Schmidt, two priests divided by doubt must confront a force beyond comprehension...and their own faith.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Only 15 states have sanctioned girls flag football as a high school varsity sport.
    Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vouchsafe

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