CONFER Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of confer are afford , bestow , donate , give , and present . While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor). // confer an honorary degree

Q: In what contexts can 'afford' take the place of 'confer'?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, 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

Q: When can 'bestow' be used instead of 'confer'?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver. // bestow unwanted advice

Q: When might 'donate' be a better fit than 'confer'?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity). // donate a piano to the orphanage

Q: When could 'give' be used to replace 'confer'?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'present' instead of 'confer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer , present carries a note of formality and ceremony. // present an award

confer

verb

kən-ˈfər

Definition of confer next

as in to grant

to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly the British monarch continues to confer knighthood on those who are outstanding in their fields of endeavor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to consult

to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem my parents are going to confer with a financial adviser about saving for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb confer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confer are afford, bestow, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can afford take the place of confer?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, 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 can bestow be used instead of confer?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When might donate be a better fit than confer?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace confer?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use present instead of confer?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer, present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

Examples 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 confer Between the lines: Making it to the front of a queue confers bragging rights. —

Felix Salmon, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 Gathering objects, experiences, and even certain relationships can confer comfort, status, and beauty. —

Jann E. Freed, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 This is consistent with other research—doses beyond the daily recommendations don’t necessarily confer an extra health boost, said Manson. —

Simon Spichak, Health, 28 Nov. 2024 In his order, Judge O'Connor gave Boeing and the DOJ 30 days to confer and update the court on their next steps. —

Joel Rose, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer

Verb

The decision, although expected, was notable: This year is the first since 2016 without any state granting clemency to an individual sentenced to death, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center.

Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024
Netanyahu gave one of them, Bezalel Smotrich, the head of the Religious Zionist Party, control over most aspects of settlement, including granting legal status to outposts established in defiance of Israeli law.

Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024