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

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 donate These include a 100% tax deduction on funds donated overseas if certain conditions are met, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore. —

Kevin Lim, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 But in 2015, Gibson’s wellness empire came crashing down when two Australian journalists, Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, exposed her for lying about donating profits from her businesses to several charities. —

Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 The Times has reported that in 2020 and 2021, the period when prosecutors say the money laundering scheme was underway, The Epoch Times donated $16 million to Shen Yun and a school that trains its performers. —

Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025 Elsewhere, the dilemma at the heart of the segment is whether Hanan and Salim would donate Noor’s organs to recipients in need (most likely Israeli recipients) when his untimely demise was the fault of a bankrupt system enforced by the Israeli occupation to begin it. —

Tomris Laffly, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for donate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate

Verb

Grant and his dates will be volunteering at Vanderpump Dogs, the Bravolebrity’s non-profit rescue organization and doggie spa in Vegas.

— EW.com, EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
In addition to his work at the Computer History Museum, Hoyt volunteers at the Tech Interactive and Tech Challenge.

— Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025