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 that case, Judge Melissa DuBose of US District Court in Rhode Island granted a preliminary injunction request this month from a coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia to halt the March 27 reorganization plan.
    Rene Marsh, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Malone, notably, granted McGuirk a proxy to vote on his 887,079 Series B common stock shares (44% of the company’s voting power) last year.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Family members conceded that the trial was very tolling and difficult on them.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • Spending that much wasn’t necessary, of course, and Varas concedes some of the features could have been downgraded.
    Denise Hruby Updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • In a LinkedIn post, Farley called for speeding up permitting processes, increasing spending on vocational training, leveraging robotics and augmented reality to help with these spaces and suggested an AmeriCorps-type program for these roles.
    Breana Noble, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • Fishing is permitted anywhere on the lake, and popular spots to try to catch something (while not on a boat) include Bear Lake State Park Marina and Cisco Beach on the Utah side of the lake.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The social worker told investigators the statements were concerning because Craig never reported the incidents nor tried to get medical help, and none of the couple’s six children mentioned their mother suffered from depression.
    Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Collins suffered a miscarriage halfway through the first season and was absent from the final episodes.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Under the ‘India Semiconductor Mission’, the government has sanctioned five semiconductor manufacturing units, securing a total investment of USD 18.15 billion by 2024, marking a significant milestone in India's semiconductor manufacturing ambitions and boosting the local ecosystem​.
    Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The State Department also sanctioned Cuban Defense Minister Álvaro López Miera and Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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