vouchsafe

Definition of vouchsafenext

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 Anthropic’s founders adopted a special corporate structure to vouchsafe their integrity. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 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 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
  • But because the lawsuit was filed in Lubbock, Texas, Sorsby’s legal team is clearly hoping a local judge grants an injunction that allows the Texas Tech quarterback back onto the field for the 2026 season.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Gender-affirming care for Kansas teens The gender-affirming care ban lawsuit was filed last May, and Folsom’s decision to grant an injunction comes after a two-day evidentiary hearing in November, where plaintiffs shared their stories and the judge heard from both sides’ expert witnesses.
    Matthew Kelly May 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Today’s draftniks have access to endless high-def broadcasts and custom compilations showing a prospect’s every snap.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Cleveland had the advantage offensively against Detroit but won’t against New York, San Antonio or Oklahoma City.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Hernandez will continue competing under CIF rules permitting transgender participation and is scheduled to compete Saturday, May 16, before advancing to the CIF finals in Clovis later this month.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Current law permits officers who receive waivers to continue working until age 60, despite the standard mandatory retirement age of 57 or after 20 years of service, whichever comes later.
    Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Everyone in the Democrat Party in Illinois was conceding the race to Republican Attorney General Jack Ryan.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • But the team still gives up too many goals, with nine goals conceded over the past three games.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The deepest reason for this near-universal futility is that most of us remain imprisoned by the delusions of the ego, suffering from alternating cravings and revulsions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Alt suffered two ankle injuries, the second of which ended his season in Week 9.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 21 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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