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

The 2021 film, which received a limited release due to the pandemic, won the best film award at the BFI London Film Festival for its portrayal of an Iranian roadtrip. —

Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Quarterback Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills won the award in a close vote over Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

Since its inception in 2020, the Catalyst program has awarded over $1 million. —

Shimite Obialo, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 Last year, Carlsbad and Oceanside together were awarded an $11.4 million state grant to address homeless camps along state Route 78 from Interstate 5 to the Vista border. —

Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for award

Recent Examples of Synonyms for award

Noun

Sandler and Barrymore took home the prize for Best On-Screen Team that year at what was then called the MTV Movie Awards.

— Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025
There is a prize pool of $1.8 million, with each player on the championship team receiving $125,000, each player on the runner-up receiving $50,000 and each player on the the other two teams receiving $25,000.

— Dan Loumena, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025