present 1 of 4

present

2 of 4

adjective

present

3 of 4

noun (1)

as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

4 of 4

noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb present contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of present are afford, bestow, confer, donate, and give. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

In what contexts can afford take the place of present?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, afford implies a giving or bestowing usually as a natural or legitimate consequence of the character of the giver.

the trees afford shade
a development that affords us some hope

When might bestow be a better fit than present?

While in some cases nearly identical to present, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When is it sensible to use confer instead of present?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

Where would donate be a reasonable alternative to present?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace present?

While the synonyms give and present are close in meaning, give, the general term, is applicable to any passing over of anything by any means.

give alms
gave her a ride on a pony
give my love to your mother

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 present
Verb
Because these two men are sharing the same body, there’s no way to present them literally speaking to one another at the same time. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025 What does stay the same is the rolling cart of amaros, presented after your meal for a memorable finish. Katie Chang, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
This includes using a medicated shampoo if conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis are present. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 26 Mar. 2025 The Orioles, despite some present skepticism, still have loads of talent, mostly on the position-player side, and possess the highest ceiling of any team in the junior circuit. Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
The rule is that presents are returned if the wedding does not take place. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025 At present, there are no concrete plans to either completely give up on the awards or bring them back, following the drama surrounding the most recent ceremony in 2023. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Verb
  • Piper happily agrees, and Lachlan offers to stay with her.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • United Airlines now offers daily flights between Managua and its Houston hub, adding even more flights during peak travel periods.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This experience shaped her approach to introducing new foods to her own children.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Youth Construction Academy is a vocational program designed to provide experiential learning and introduce students to the field of construction.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As Investopedia notes, a person with a $30,000 income isn’t likely to donate $15,000 to charity.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In May 2019, Bell asked her followers to donate to the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tenn in honor of her birthday.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, 46 percent say Trump is to blame for current economic conditions, while 41 percent say Biden is to blame.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Another statute modeled on the California statute and modified to its current form shortly before the UPEPA was completed, but falsely criticized for reasons relating more to the antiquated Texas Practice & Procedure Code than the statute itself. Vermont ...
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Delegating is about giving your employees a time to learn, to grow, to shine and to expand while also helping to lighten your load and achieve organizational goals.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Both the city’s ad hoc committee on the 2028 Olympic Games and the full council gave its approval this week to several venue changes, including shifting equestrian events from the Valley to Temecula.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These workers were among the 21,000 civilians at the Defense Department who volunteered for the program.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Other Reddit users agreed with the theory and offered their own idea that Gemma may have volunteered her body to Lumon for experimentation.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This also isn't the first time that King has been accused of having an addiction to drugs and/or alcohol in the former couple's ongoing custody battle.
    Staff Author, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The podcast comes at the heels of ongoing divorce rumors surrounding the former first couple.
    Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • If no shelter is available avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The cones are available while supplies last and customers may only redeem one free cone for the day.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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