donate

verb

ˈdō-ˌnāt How to pronounce donate (audio)
Definition of donatenext
as in to volunteer
to make a present of we plan to donate all the profits from the rummage sale to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb donate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of donate are afford, bestow, confer, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use afford instead of donate?

The synonyms afford and donate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could bestow be used to replace donate?

While the synonyms bestow and donate are close in meaning, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would confer be a good substitute for donate?

The meanings of confer and donate largely overlap; however, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

When might give be a better fit than donate?

In some situations, the words give and donate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would present be a reasonable alternative to donate?

Although the words present and donate have much in common, 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 donate Through the General Services Administration, excess computers, office furniture, and equipment can be transferred to other agencies, sold at auction, or donated to state and local governments, schools, and nonprofit organizations. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026 American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 Others donated food and water for those helping. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026 In honor of their brother, Madylin and Sullivan work with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and create annual T-shirts in Sawyer's memory, with proceeds donated to suicide prevention causes, Entertainment Weekly reported in November 2025. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
  1. volunteer
  2. contribute
  3. give
Verb
  • The staff also volunteer with UNICEF and the local Boys & Girls Club plus the hotel also hosts the top fundraising gala for the Greater Boston Food Bank.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
  • Gaurika was following Aaron's route along the course because her brother was volunteering in his group, according to the outlet.
    — Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Definition of volunteer
Verb
  • Sophomore Haley Maldonado, who finished with three hits, contributed an RBI double in the second.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • Meghan Potenza picked up an RBI double, while Emrie Peterson contributed two RBIs.
    — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Definition of contribute
Verb
  • Simple and streamlined, this linen tank top is one of the most versatile additions to any travel wardrobe—I’m even eyeing it in a few different colors, given its affordable price tag.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie gave him Washington’s name.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Definition of give

Browse Nearby Words

don
donate
donated
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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on donate

Nglish: Translation of donate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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