vouchsafe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vouchsafe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vouchsafe are accord, award, concede, and grant. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

When can accord be used instead of vouchsafe?

While the synonyms accord and vouchsafe are close in meaning, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When is award a more appropriate choice than vouchsafe?

Although the words award and vouchsafe have much in common, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

In what contexts can concede take the place of vouchsafe?

The synonyms concede and vouchsafe are sometimes interchangeable, but concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

When might grant be a better fit than vouchsafe?

In some situations, the words grant and vouchsafe are roughly equivalent. However, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

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 vouchsafe Democracy is a fragile achievement, a perpetual work in progress, not the sort of thing that can be vouchsafed by a trend line — and certainly not the sort of thing that technology automatically generates. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 That’s why Phony Wars speaks to us in codes, an artist vouchsafing his feelings and intentions. Armond White, National Review, 29 Sep. 2023 Constitutionally speaking, the main reason for having federal law enforcement is to vouchsafe interstate and international commerce. The Editors, National Review, 20 Jan. 2022 Consider a test-tube example, almost ordered up to make the court’s case for it, vouchsafed by California just a few weeks ago. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 6 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vouchsafe
Verb
  • The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe, who will weigh whether to grant a temporary restraining order.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • LaBruce is a radical who critiques radicalism and does so radically — offending the roots of social and cultural progress so that the liberal mania for revolution can no longer be taken for granted.
    Armond White, National Review, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate and independent studio LD Entertainment are circling domestic rights, though a deal has yet to close.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Singleton, who coached former NBA center Tyson Chandler at Compton Dominguez, has no doubt that Burries is on a similar path to basketball success with his drive to excel.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Afterwards, Farke conceded he had been tempted to start Gnonto in Aaronson’s place.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
  • In November, Zelenskyy conceded not all territory could be won back by force and may have to remain under de facto Russian control after a settlement.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Women were soon permitted entry into marathons and swimming races.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Nonetheless, centralized revenue-sharing models permit even mid-tier teams to reap considerable benefits.
    Priya Oberoi, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The company was late to the direct-to-consumer game and had suffered from chronic underinvestment.
    Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025
  • But the plant is now disconnected from the grid and has suffered some damage amid drone strikes and constant shelling.
    Lauren Kent, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The first Trump administration sanctioned the Houthis.
    Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriffs released lots of information, a criminal trial happened, and Matt eventually sanctioned the completion of the film Rust.
    Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vouchsafe

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