DONATE Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

donate

verb

ˈdō-ˌnāt

Definition of donate next

as in to volunteer

to make a present of we plan to donate all the profits from the rummage sale to charity

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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

Examples 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 Kent has donated more than $250,000 this year to the Harris Action Fund, the Democratic National Committee, and other Democratic groups, according to an Axios analysis of Federal Election Commission filings. —

Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024 There are several options a couple can choose when determining embryo disposition: donate them to research, donate them to another couple, dispose of them, grant ownership to one of the spouses, or divide them up evenly. —

Julia Rodgers, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 To streamline transportation needs, Waymo will provide two free rides to people who sign up to donate during this week's blood drive. —

Shawna Chen, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 According to the Red Cross, only about 3 percent of people who are eligible to donate blood actually donate blood each year. —

Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for donate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate

Verb

Although Gardner has always actively volunteered through church activities, social media videos compelled her to start her advocacy work to help the homeless.

Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
So far, turnout has been bigger than Houtman's ever seen, and she's been volunteering on and off since the Bush-Gore presidential election of 2000.

Madison Lammert, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024