Synonyms for Bestow
Updated · Synonyms List editorial team
Quick answer: To find the best synonyms for bestow, look for words that describe giving something valuable, such as a gift, honor, or favor. These alternatives help you express the act of granting or conferring with varying levels of formality and emphasis. Choosing the right word ensures your message sounds exactly as you intend it to sound to your audience.
Closest Synonyms for Bestow
- grant
- To give officially or formally, like a king granting a title. The monarch granted the land to his loyal servant.
- confer
- To bestow an honor or degree in a formal ceremony. The university conferred an honorary doctorate upon the famous author.
- give
- A simple, direct way to say you are transferring possession. She gave her friend a rare book for their birthday.
- present
- To show or give something as a gift or award. The manager presented the employee with a plaque.
- dole out
- To distribute something, often with a sense of authority or scarcity. The teacher doled out treats to the students.
- endow
- To provide with an annual income or gift for a specific purpose. The museum was endowed by a wealthy philanthropist.
- bestow upon
- A phrase emphasizing the recipient of the gift. He bestowed upon her the highest honor.
- make over
- To transfer ownership or give something fully. The estate was made over to her children.
- pass down
- To give something from an older generation to a younger one. He passed down his old watch to his son.
- hand out
- To distribute items to a group of people. The teacher handed out the worksheets to the class.
- award
- To give a prize or honor to someone for achievement. The committee awarded the contract to the best bidder.
Formal Synonyms for Bestow
- accord
- To give respect or status formally. The nation accorded them a warm welcome.
- confer a title
- Specific to giving a rank or name. They conferred a title upon the new leader.
- bestow a favor
- Giving a helpful act formally. He bestowed a favor upon his old friend.
- dispense
- to give something out in the form of a gift or service, often to a large group, such as dispensing aid.
- allocate
- to distribute or assign something for a particular purpose, like allocating funds for a project.
- proffer
- to offer something formally or politely, such as proffering an apology.
- impart
- to give something, such as knowledge or a feeling, to someone, for example, imparting wisdom.
Informal Synonyms for Bestow
- hand over
- Suggests transferring control of an item. He handed over the keys to the car.
- give away
- To provide something for free. She decided to give away her old clothes.
- pass on
- To transfer something to someone else. He passed on the letter to his sister.
- distribute
- Casual usage for spreading things around. They distributed the flyers to neighbors.
- bequeath
- Leave property or assets to someone in a will after death.
- present with
- Hand something to someone so they can have it, highlighting the act of giving.
Stronger and Weaker Words
- conferral
- stronger
- bestowal
- stronger
- bestow on
- weaker
- give forth
- weaker
Antonyms for Bestow
- take
- remove
- steal
- seize
- revoke
- withdraw
- retreat
- deny
- withhold
- take away
How to Pick the Right Synonym
Choosing the right synonym for bestow depends on the context and the tone you want to set. If you are writing a formal document or describing an official ceremony, words like confer or grant are appropriate because they sound serious and structured. For casual conversations about giving a simple gift, use words like give or hand out to keep the language natural and relaxed. Always consider the value of the item being given; high-value items often pair better with stronger words like endow or award, while everyday items fit simpler terms.
