vouchsafe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vouchsafe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vouchsafe are accord, award, concede, and grant. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

When can accord be used instead of vouchsafe?

While the synonyms accord and vouchsafe are close in meaning, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When is award a more appropriate choice than vouchsafe?

Although the words award and vouchsafe have much in common, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

In what contexts can concede take the place of vouchsafe?

The synonyms concede and vouchsafe are sometimes interchangeable, but concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

When might grant be a better fit than vouchsafe?

In some situations, the words grant and vouchsafe are roughly equivalent. However, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

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 vouchsafe In a country created to vouchsafe the safety and liberty of a people persecuted for centuries, the security collapse remains a source of trauma and shame. David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025 Democracy is a fragile achievement, a perpetual work in progress, not the sort of thing that can be vouchsafed by a trend line — and certainly not the sort of thing that technology automatically generates. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 That’s why Phony Wars speaks to us in codes, an artist vouchsafing his feelings and intentions. Armond White, National Review, 29 Sep. 2023 Constitutionally speaking, the main reason for having federal law enforcement is to vouchsafe interstate and international commerce. The Editors, National Review, 20 Jan. 2022 Consider a test-tube example, almost ordered up to make the court’s case for it, vouchsafed by California just a few weeks ago. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 6 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vouchsafe
Verb
  • It was later granted, with West receiving a $400,000 bond, according to court records.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 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
  • Moose Tracks ice cream borrows name from miniature golf Created in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, known for its moose population, in the 1990s, the iconic flavor Moose Tracks, has a base of vanilla ice cream with fudge swirl and peanut butter cups.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • Challenge yourself, meet new people and, most importantly, have fun participating in this race.
    Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Lana conceded Shasta’s behavioral issues, rooted in her trauma, were so severe that only a residential treatment program could save her.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 July 2025
  • But for the purpose of examining this objection fairly, let it be conceded, that the principle, claimed for its support, is established.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Filling in for Armstead last season, Paul permitted three sacks and 15 pressures in 229 pass blocking chances, and PFF rated him 81st (worst) among tackles as a run blocker.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Ariel Atkins is no closer to returning after suffering a leg injury shortly before the All-Star break.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
  • After suffering a heart attack in 2017, Adriana funded the Spanish translation of the American Heart Association’s website, Go Red for Women.
    Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine's latest hit on one of Russia's largest manufacturers of radio electronics which is sanctioned by the EU will deliver a blow to Moscow's military capabilities.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • In 2012, Mark, a physician, was stripped of his license, and David was sanctioned for practicing medicine without one.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on vouchsafe

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