AWARD Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'award' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of award are accord , concede , grant , and vouchsafe . While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors. // awarded the company a huge defense contract

Q: When is 'accord' a more appropriate choice than 'award'?

Although the words accord and award have much in common, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper. // accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

Q: When can 'concede' be used instead of 'award'?

While in some cases nearly identical to award , concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim. // even her critics concede she can be charming

Q: In what contexts can 'grant' take the place of 'award'?

The meanings of grant and award largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld. // granted them a new hearing

Q: Where would 'vouchsafe' be a reasonable alternative to 'award'?

The words vouchsafe and award can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension. // vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

award 1 of 2

noun

Definition of award next

as in prize

something given in recognition of achievement Faye received the highest award in the 16 and under category for her poem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in decision

a position arrived at after consideration in their award the board of arbitrators declared that both writers deserved screen credit for their contributions to the final screenplay

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

award

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈwȯrd

as in to reward

to give something as a token of gratitude or admiration for a service or achievement we will award the top three contestants in the essay competition

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to grant

to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly custody of the boy was awarded to the grandparents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb award contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of award are accord, concede, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is accord a more appropriate choice than award?

Although the words accord and award have much in common, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can concede be used instead of award?

While in some cases nearly identical to award, concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can grant take the place of award?

The meanings of grant and award largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

Where would vouchsafe be a reasonable alternative to award?

The words vouchsafe and award can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 award

Noun

After the compilation video, Chalamet was set to practice an acceptance speech — only to be interrupted by SNL cast member Kenan Thompson, who humorously took the faux award for himself. —

Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2025 What's Next As the draw nearer, with the ceremony scheduled for March 3, fans praised Chalamet for his performance on SNL as part of his campaign to win the award this year after being nominated for his role in the Bob Dylan biopic. —

Jasmine Laws, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025

Verb

Earlier this month, Denver was awarded the bid for a $110 million fee. —

Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025 The defender joined Newcastle’s academy aged 11 and, seven years later, won the highly coveted Wor Jackie Trophy: awarded to the club’s most promising youth prospect each season, ahead of future first-team regular Sean Longstaff. —

Colin Millar, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for award

Recent Examples of Synonyms for award

Noun

Joining her in being nominated for all three of those major prizes are Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter.

— Thania Garcia, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Having gone into the night with a whopping 11 nominations—bringing her career total to 99—Beyoncé finally took home a golden gramophone for Album of the Year, with Cowboy Carter beating the likes of Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX to the prize.

— Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 3 Feb. 2025