DONATE Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of donate are afford , bestow , confer , give , and present . While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity). // donate a piano to the orphanage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'afford' instead of 'donate'?

The synonyms afford and donate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could 'bestow' be used to replace 'donate'?

While the synonyms bestow and donate are close in meaning, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver. // bestow unwanted advice

Q: When would 'confer' be a good substitute for 'donate'?

The meanings of confer and donate largely overlap; however, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor). // confer an honorary degree

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

In some situations, the words give and donate are roughly equivalent. However, 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: Where would 'present' be a reasonable alternative to 'donate'?

Although the words present and donate have much in common, present carries a note of formality and ceremony. // present an award

donate

verb

ˈdō-ˌnāt

Definition of donate next

as in to volunteer

to make a present of we plan to donate all the profits from the rummage sale to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb donate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of donate are afford, bestow, confer, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use afford instead of donate?

The synonyms afford and donate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could bestow be used to replace donate?

While the synonyms bestow and donate are close in meaning, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would confer be a good substitute for donate?

The meanings of confer and donate largely overlap; however, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

When might give be a better fit than donate?

In some situations, the words give and donate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would present be a reasonable alternative to donate?

Although the words present and donate have much in common, present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

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 donate Sargeant was hoping to raise $1,000 but no one donated. —

Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025 The company recently donated a portion of proceeds from washes and memberships to help the American Red Cross respond to the wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. —

Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 All proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Red Cross. —

Renan Botelho, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly made monetary donations to relief efforts, and donated clothing, children's items and other supplies. —

Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for donate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate

Verb

The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll.

— Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025
Jackson and her husband, Aubrey Jackson, who volunteers at the center, are grieving over the loss of their son and daughter last year.

— Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025