bestow

verb

bi-ˈstō How to pronounce bestow (audio)
Definition of bestownext
1
as in to donate
to make a present of bestowed a new car on their son for graduation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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 In addition to the Medal of Yavin — a medal of bravery of sorts bestowed by Princess Leia on Skywalker and Han Solo for their roles in helping destroy the Death Star — the auction also featured Chewbacca’s bowcaster. —Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025 Peyton Watson’s task, as bestowed by Michael Malone, was simple enough: Make Collin Sexton’s life hell. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025 The Rewarding Honours Powered by Camera Nazionale Della Moda, which includes a scholarship worth 5,000 euros, was bestowed on Cai for the sustainbility credentials of the collection, while Yu received the 7,000-euro cash prize awarded by Fondazione Ferragamo. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025 No matter the type of fish bestowed upon you by your fishmonger (tuna steaks today, mackerel tomorrow, snapper for Saturday), the right preparation will bring out its very best. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bestow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestow
  1. donate
  2. accommodate
  3. give
  4. house
  5. volunteer
  6. shelter
  7. provide
  8. lodge
Verb
  • Resting at auction and donate the proceeds to the organization.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Keiser said fans responded by donating ears in a variety of themes — Haunted Mansion, Star Wars, Main Street Electrical Parade, Minnie Mouse — from personal piles and storage.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of donate
Verb
  • Other upcoming vehicles will also be developed to accommodate traditional internal combustion, hybrids and E-power.
    — Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The government has since decided to reopen the application process to accommodate new applications.
    — Marta Abbà, Wired News, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of accommodate
Verb
  • Despite that, a growing number of companies do so voluntarily because the information gives them a leg up in the business world.
    — Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Gustavsson was beaten three minutes into the third period on a Howden wrist shot off the rush after Zach Bogosian slid to the middle and gave Howden and open lane; the puck bounced in off the Wild goaltender’s right shoulder.
    — Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of give
Verb
  • The rear compartment houses the power cable, two cleaning pads, and the safety cord.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Consider this compact case that’s ready to house your passport.
    — Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of house
Verb
  • More than 2,000 employees have volunteered for a reassignment.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school's admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents.
    — Angela D. Harper, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of volunteer
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2025
  • And above ground, its arid ranges and braided river systems continue to shelter a rich array of native species that have adapted to extremes over millions of years.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of shelter
Verb
  • Dutch florists provided tens of thousands of flowers in an intricate, colorful layout − a tradition in its 39th year.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Game 1 provided valuable lessons for Cunningham, despite the loss.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of provide
Verb
  • The £200m sale is now being scrutinised by the Premier League from a fair market value perspective — and the profit Chelsea lodged as a result may be adjusted if they are deemed to have inflated Chelsea Women’s price.
    — Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • During mating, one or both palps are detached and left lodged inside the female’s reproductive tract.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of lodge

Browse Nearby Words

bestirs
bestow
bestowal
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Cite this Entry

“Bestow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestow. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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