present 1 of 4

Definition of presentnext

present

2 of 4

noun (2)

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

3 of 4

adjective

present

4 of 4

verb

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

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

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

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
Noun
Amazon has a handful of Oprah’s Favorite Things that make great presents for Mom. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Ja, ein Geschenk (a present) from the Germans! Valerie Fridland, Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The Rude Boy and Ophelia seem to remember something of their previous relationship, but the exact connection between their past and present lives is unclear. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 His sister Janet Jackson not only didn’t attend the premiere, but her character is not present in the film. Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Edens did not conduct a psychological evaluation of Horner and is not offering an opinion on whether Horner presents a risk of future violence. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026 Co-production as a necessity Projects presented in Nyon reflect an increasingly modular financing logic. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for present
Recent Examples of Synonyms for present
Adjective
  • The announcement also comes a week after the current district leadership team discussed potentially letting some staff members go.
    Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In his current role, Bonfig also oversees merchandising, marketing, supply chain and e-commerce.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 6-6, 313-pounder started 30 games at left and right tackle in college and offers depth as a swing tackle at the next level.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • And other tackles, namely Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor and Clemson’s Blake Miller, offered better short- and long-term fits as college right tackles who play with a mean streak.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In November 2024, Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Bob Blumenfield introduced a motion calling for the city to explore bypassing LAHSA and contracting directly with service providers, citing concerns about fragmentation and accountability.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Uranus might introduce job changes and equipment problems in your future.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Some of the original board members are still involved with the museum, but hundreds more joined the effort, some volunteering, others donating surf boards and memorabilia, and many sharing their stories, including famous surfers from Eddie Aikau, Nat Young, Greg Noll and Donald Takayama.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In October 2024 Allen donated $25 to fundraising platform ActBlue that was earmarked for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, according to Federal Elections Commission records.
    Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Tensions have risen in recent months between the United States and the United Kingdom governments over a slew of topics, like the United States' joint war in Iran, the administration's tariffs and ongoing disagreements over theNATO military alliance.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But the ongoing fracturing of American politics, and especially the capricious and authoritarian-leaning tendencies of the current administration, complicates everything.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That figures to be addressed not only in the sixth round, but also with remaining available free agents and undrafted free agency.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Every other player on both teams was available.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Suzuki’s long ball was part of a three-run seventh, which helped give the Cubs a five-run cushion.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Korean gochujang paste gives the dish fiery, funky heat.
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Two emergency medical technicians who were on board as passengers volunteered to assist, working alongside flight attendants and crew members to deliver the baby mid-flight, news outlet KOIN 6 reported.
    Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Present.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/present. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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