Synonyms of bestow

bestow

verb

bi-ˈstō 

1

as in to donate

to make a present of

bestowed a new car on their son for graduation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• donate
• give
• volunteer
• provide
• contribute
• present
• offer
• award
• furnish
• give away
• confer
• render
• give of
• issue
• afford
• endow
• benefit
• pay
• impart
• dispense
• aid
• lavish
• assist
• throw in
• kick in
• endue
• help
• sacrifice
• indue
• extend
• chip in
• pitch in
• proffer
• administer
• regale
• comp
• hand out
• dole out
• tender
• dish out
• fork (over, out, or up)
• mete (out)
• put up
• pungle (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hold
• retain
• keep
• withhold
• preserve
• save
• lend
• sell
• advance
• pocket
• loan

2

as in to accommodate

to provide with living quarters or shelter

eventually the refugee family was bestowed in its own apartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accommodate
• house
• shelter
• lodge
• room
• board
• roof
• take in
• quarter
• camp
• bunk
• harbor
• chamber
• domicile
• secure
• shed
• stable
• home
• put up
• billet
• encamp
• ensconce
• bivouac
• tent
• roost
• bed (down)
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eject
• evict

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bestow contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bestow are afford, confer, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would afford be a good substitute for bestow?

In some situations, the words afford and bestow are roughly equivalent. However, 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 is confer a more appropriate choice than bestow?

While in some cases nearly identical to bestow, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can donate take the place of bestow?

The meanings of donate and bestow largely overlap; however, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use give instead of bestow?

While the synonyms give and bestow 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

When might present be a better fit than bestow?

The synonyms present and bestow are sometimes interchangeable, but present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bestow

The Miami Dolphins linebacker believes leadership is something innate to every person, not something bestowed at the start of every season. —Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025

The accolades and recognition bestowed upon Theresa and her team at Modern Legal underscore their profound influence on both the legal community and the lives of their clients. —Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

The photographer’s bold images were aligned with Pomellato founder Pino Rabolini’s idea of women’s independence, wearing jewelry for themselves rather than as status symbols bestowed by others, and underscoring female empowerment. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2025

The moniker is a significant honor within the program and is bestowed upon the player who best exemplifies the values identified as precursors for success, both on and off the field. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025