Synonyms of award

award 1 of 2

noun

1

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

• prize
• accolade
• honor
• trophy
• medal
• premium
• decoration
• badge
• plume
• distinction
• blue ribbon
• kudo
• applause
• plaque
• ribbon
• cup
• plate
• tribute
• crown
• laurel
• commendation
• citation
• encomium
• eulogy
• homage
• plaudit
• compliment
• paean
• order
• panegyric
• honorable mention
• bravo
• hallelujah

2

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

• decision
• verdict
• opinion
• conclusion
• determination
• judgment
• resolution
• diagnosis
• view
• call
• mandate
• choice
• ruling
• sentence
• decree
• finding
• deliverance
• instruction
• adjudication
• order
• option
• selection
• directive
• word
• conviction
• consensus
• commandment
• edict
• last word
• disposition
• belief
• charge
• dictate
• behest
• say-so
• sentiment
• mind
• notion
• feeling
• doom
• persuasion
• eye

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tie
• draw
• halt
• deadlock
• stalemate
• standoff

award

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈwȯrd 

1

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

• reward
• honor
• commend
• praise
• remember
• hail
• compensate
• decorate
• cite
• reimburse
• pay
• repay
• salute
• applaud
• acclaim
• compliment
• recompense
• requite

2

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

• grant
• confer
• give
• vest
• accord
• provide
• bestow
• offer
• present
• show
• contribute
• donate
• supply
• furnish
• assign
• appropriate
• extend
• allocate
• name
• appoint
• designate
• proffer
• set
• fix
• dub

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• revoke
• rescind
• recall
• call
• repeal
• drop
• invalidate
• nullify
• annul
• withdraw
• void
• call off
• abrogate
• abort
• take back
• write off
• retract
• recant

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

Recent Examples of award

Noun

The actor was being honored with an award for his contributions to film—but Amal’s red carpet look for the affair was worthy of its very own accolade. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026

Captain Genevieve Anonsen awards Cecilia Stratford with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award. —Rina Nakano, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Verb

Charles is a member of The W25 — the WNBA’s top 25 player of all-time, a recognition awarded to her in 2021. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026

The Selke Trophy was first awarded in 1978 to Bob Gainey of the Canadiens, a Hockey Hall of Famer who would go on to win it three more times consecutively. —Sean Gentille, New York Times, 6 May 2026