PRESENT Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'present' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of present are afford , bestow , confer , donate , and give . While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony. // present an award

Q: In what contexts can 'afford' take the place of 'present'?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might 'bestow' be a better fit than 'present'?

While in some cases nearly identical to present , bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver. // bestow unwanted advice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'confer' instead of 'present'?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor). // confer an honorary degree

Q: Where would 'donate' be a reasonable alternative to 'present'?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity). // donate a piano to the orphanage

Q: When could 'give' be used to replace 'present'?

While the synonyms give and present 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

present 1 of 4

verb

pri-ˈzent

Definition of present next

as in to offer

to bring before the public in performance or exhibition we will present a performance of Our Town tomorrow evening

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to introduce

to make (one person) known (to another) socially may I present my niece Sarah?

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to donate

to make a present of the company presented a gold watch to him on the occasion of his retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

2 of 4

adjective

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in current

existing or in progress right now I am very busy at the present moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in attending

being within the confines of a specified place all of you are required to be present for every meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

3 of 4

noun (1)

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in today

the time currently existing or in progress I cannot talk to you at present, but perhaps in a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

present

4 of 4

noun (2)

ˈpre-zᵊnt

as in gift

something given to someone without expectation of a return an impressive array of presents for the bride and groom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb present contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of present are afford, bestow, confer, donate, and give. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," present carries a note of formality and ceremony.

present an award

In what contexts can afford take the place of present?

The words afford and present are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might bestow be a better fit than present?

While in some cases nearly identical to present, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When is it sensible to use confer instead of present?

In some situations, the words confer and present are roughly equivalent. However, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

Where would donate be a reasonable alternative to present?

The synonyms donate and present are sometimes interchangeable, but donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace present?

While the synonyms give and present 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

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 present

Verb

The pair recently presented an award at the Golden Globes together. —

Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2025 With individual states and undocumented women suffering different harms under the order, the cases could present different reasons to justify blocking the order. —

Selina Wang, ABC News, 5 Feb. 2025

Adjective

In 2024, Swift was present to witness the Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl despite performing in Tokyo less than 24 hours before kickoff. —

Jordana Comiter, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025 Technology also helps bridge the past and present, cooking techniques and culture. —

Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2025

Noun

And, more than anything else, Valentine's Day is about quality time spent together, but a thoughtful present makes the whole thing a little more fun. —

Annie Blackman, Allure, 29 Jan. 2025 The policy is being used at present for Ukrainians in Europe and was used in the past for Bosnian and South Sudanese refugees. —

Ana Martín Gil, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for present

Recent Examples of Synonyms for present

Verb

The luxury escape-within-the-city is offering a special for Valentine’s Day that features a signature body polish, followed by a 60-minute couples massage.

— Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025
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— Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025