afford

verb

ə-ˈfȯrd How to pronounce afford (audio)
Definition of affordnext
as in to go
to have enough money for we can't afford a new car this year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb afford contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of afford are bestow, confer, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," 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 is bestow a more appropriate choice than afford?

The words bestow and afford can be used in similar contexts, but 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 afford?

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

confer an honorary degree

When can donate be used instead of afford?

The words donate and afford are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use give instead of afford?

The meanings of give and afford largely overlap; 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

When might present be a better fit than afford?

Although the words present and afford 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 afford The four-day All-Star break, like a stop in Gila Bend on the drive from San Diego to Phoenix or vice versa, affords more mental space. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025 The low debt load affords financial flexibility for growth investments and fulfilling contracts. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025 The Cubs can afford to cut ties with a few talented prospects to bring in another high-leverage reliever for the backend of the bullpen. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 In a world where every business unit is under pressure to do more with less, talent and learning development (L&D) teams can no longer afford to operate like back-office cost centers. —Ryan Austin, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for afford
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afford
  1. go
  2. get
Verb
  • The story goes that the robbery occurred in broad daylight while occupants of Villa Nellcôte watched TV, having reportedly been conducted by Marseille drug dealers that Richards was said to have owed money to.
    — Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • The Monday night downpour went viral on social media after the rain inundated the 28th St. station on the No. 1 subway train, causing major late-night delays.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
Definition of go
Verb
  • The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Brian Harman got the best of the weather — surprising sunshine — and took dead aim in his hunt for another claret jug.
    — Doug Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Definition of get

Browse Nearby Words

affluents
afford
affordable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Afford.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afford. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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