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 The European linen feels breezy and has pearl buttons for an extra special touch that Serena & Lily bestows on their products. —

Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026 The awards were handed out at a ceremony on Sunday, March 10 and bestowed by juries of industry executives, journalists, creators, and experts. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 May 2026 Males made up more than 75 percent of Friday’s North American audience, which bestowed the film with a B+ CinemaScore. —

Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2026 While the Air Foamposite Pro is set for a public release, at least one of the Mummy Duck styles bestowed upon the university will remain exclusive to its players. —

Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bestow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestow

Verb

His company donates school supplies and paints classrooms.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
The county has already spent more than $50 million renovating a building donated by the state to house the center.

— Jim DeFede, CBS News, 17 May 2026

Definition of donate

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bestirs

bestow

bestowal

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“Bestow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestow. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of bestow

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