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

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 As for the integration of porcelain, KPM has bestowed it upon its own logo, the EB logo, the gas and oil caps, and accents on the engine cover. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 30 June 2026 A little more than a year later, the New York Mets bestowed a 15-year, $765 million contract on Juan Soto, with the chance for that number to climb to $805 million. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The honor has been bestowed upon actors, comedians, directors, producers, costume designers, writers, animators, musicians, executives, journalists, and various other individuals whose work in television has no equal. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 Peterson’s turbulent freshman season at Kansas likely cost him the opportunity to be the first pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday, an honor the Washington Wizards instead bestowed upon BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bestow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bestow

Verb

The America250 website lists nonprofit organizations, including those that focus on civic engagement, education, housing, conservation and veterans, that people can donate to.

— Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 July 2026
What is clear is that Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Kelce have donated $26 million to a slew of charities across the nation just ahead of their nuptials and America’s 250th birthday.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 July 2026

Definition of donate

Verb

The ship can accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy, according to a cruise line fact sheet.

— Nathan Diller, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Not every backyard can accommodate the 60-foot by 30-foot footprint these courts require, and his residential courts tend to be in communities where larger properties are the norm — like Hillsborough, Atherton, Woodside and Saratoga.

— Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

Definition of accommodate

Verb

When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.

— Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Officials advise the public to give bears space and not let pets bother them.

— Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of give

Verb

The upper floor houses a food hall selling local specialties like lampredotto (tripe sandwiches) and schiacciata (a Tuscan flatbread).

— Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
From there, he will be housed at another state correctional facility and his case will be referred to Nevada County District Attorney’s Office for possible escape charges, the statement read.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of house

Verb

Today, Kober enjoys volunteering at his local community center, as well as making marquetry bookmarks and Viking chess boards.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
The findings suggest that while political divisions remain a defining feature of American life, many people are still open to celebrating, volunteering and engaging with those who hold opposing views.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of volunteer

Verb

Attendees can learn about current conditions, share their experiences traveling along Snelling and Montreal avenues, provide input for improvements and ask questions.

— Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
Their angled footbeds provide comfortable arch support while maintaining a slim, classic silhouette.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 8 July 2026

Definition of provide

Verb

And the third line of defense is the military bases that lodges Division 96.

— Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Chronic understaffing has led to severe deficiencies at these facilities, more than in most states, with rising numbers of complaints lodged by residents.

— Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026

Definition of lodge

Browse Nearby Words

bestirs

bestow

bestowal

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Style

“Bestow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bestow. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bestow

verb

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