PRESENT Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of present are afford , bestow , confer , donate , and give . While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony. // present an award

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

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might 'bestow' be a better fit than 'present'?

While in some cases nearly identical to present , bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver. // bestow unwanted advice

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

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor). // confer an honorary degree

Q: Where would 'donate' be a reasonable alternative to 'present'?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'present'?

While the synonyms give and present 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

present 1 of 4

verb

pri-ˈzent

Definition of present next

as in to offer

to bring before the public in performance or exhibition we will present a performance of Our Town tomorrow evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to introduce

to make (one person) known (to another) socially may I present my niece Sarah?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to donate

to make a present of the company presented a gold watch to him on the occasion of his retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

2 of 4

adjective

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in current

existing or in progress right now I am very busy at the present moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in attending

being within the confines of a specified place all of you are required to be present for every meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

3 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in today

the time currently existing or in progress I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

4 of 4

noun (2)

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in gift

something given to someone without expectation of a return an impressive array of presents for the bride and groom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb present contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of present are afford, bestow, confer, donate, and give. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

In what contexts can afford take the place of present?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might bestow be a better fit than present?

While in some cases nearly identical to present, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When is it sensible to use confer instead of present?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

Where would donate be a reasonable alternative to present?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace present?

While the synonyms give and present 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

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 present

Verb

The letter did not address the allegations the board presented. —

Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024 But ditto for Bad Bunny, Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and Harrison Ford, who recorded a video, warning voters about the grave threat Trump presented to democracy. —

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Adjective

However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. —

Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 Other non-Western states are trying to shape the course of the war or positioning themselves to be present at the creation of a postwar Europe—that is, to be at the table for the negotiations that will end the conflict, however distant that prospect may be. —

Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

Noun

The image, which first appeared in Harper's Weekly, was created as Union propaganda during the war, featuring Santa handing out presents at a Union Army camp. —

Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 29 Nov. 2024 The Santa Train marks its 82nd running this year, bringing presents and joy to small towns along a 110-mile portion of the CSX rail line tucked into remote coal-country river valleys. —

Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for present

Recent Examples of Synonyms for present

Verb

Some nonprofit disaster response organizations offer various types of training for civilians, but there is no formal state or federal programming or earmarked funding for these efforts.

Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024
While the board has offered no explanation for her termination, reports suggest that her firing stemmed from tension with board members.

Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024