BESTOW Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bestow

verb

bi-ˈstō

Definition of bestow next

as in to donate

to make a present of bestowed a new car on their son for graduation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to accommodate

to provide with living quarters or shelter eventually the refugee family was bestowed in its own apartment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 bestow Hence, compute leadership can bestow upon the country or firm something no single entity can offer – control over the world systems. —

Mark Minevich, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The event, hosted by the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, pays tribute to King’s life and work and bestows the Human Dignity Award on people or groups who have shown commitment to his values. —

Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 As if Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans wasn't already having a memorable week, he has been bestowed with a unique honor. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Each of the three new entries also gets a shield to bestow on the player of their choosing to keep them safe from the next murder. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bestow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestow

Verb

Elsewhere, the dilemma at the heart of the segment is whether Hanan and Salim would donate Noor’s organs to recipients in need (most likely Israeli recipients) when his untimely demise was the fault of a bankrupt system enforced by the Israeli occupation to begin it.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
Merry says items that don’t serve a practical purpose and don’t have any sentimental value are probably best to donate, recycle, or dispose of.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025