Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confer are afford, bestow, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can afford take the place of confer?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, 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 can bestow be used instead of confer?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When might donate be a better fit than confer?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace confer?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use present instead of confer?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer, 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 confer After conferring with lawyers for the mogul and federal prosecutors, Subramanian responded to the jurors, reminding them of their obligations to follow his instructions and directing them to keep at it. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025 The magic described in the series would seem to confer limitless potential to, say, resolve the energy conundrum and escape the climate crisis or, at least, avoid everyday inconvenience and discomfort. Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 But handing the post to him in this fashion would confer an almost insurmountable edge. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025 But continuing to sporadically drive the news cycle won’t alone confer the popularity needed to make the latter work. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
Verb
  • The department granted Maxwell a limited form of immunity to secure her participation in that interview, according to ABC News and NBC News.
    Aysha Bagchi, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • In 2019, the Legislature granted districts bonuses for the number of graduates each year who leave high school achieving college, career or military readiness.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The key is consistency, listening to your body even when progress feels slow, and consulting with your clinician.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
  • Sanders stopped consulting as a lawyer last year to focus solely on her fashion line and content creation.
    Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • While the job interview can reveal a lot about a company, how an organization acts in discussing compensation gives insight into broader implications about the company.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • On Sunday, Libby also shared an article discussing the apparent tribute to her son, and provided more thoughts on the sweet cameo.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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