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award

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb award contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of award are accord, concede, grant, and vouchsafe. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

When is accord a more appropriate choice than award?

Although the words accord and award have much in common, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When can concede be used instead of award?

While in some cases nearly identical to award, concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

In what contexts can grant take the place of award?

The meanings of grant and award largely overlap; however, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

Where would vouchsafe be a reasonable alternative to award?

The words vouchsafe and award can be used in similar contexts, but vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

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 award
Noun
Variety is looking for rising artisans in the aforementioned fields who are in the awards race this season. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 25 July 2025 State officials who spoke to CNN for this story say they were given no explanation for why the awards were reduced or increased this cycle. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Verb
The audit discovered that in one instance, the Veterans Health Administration awarded $30,000 in relocation payments to an employee who never moved, the release noted. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 Second, removal credits will be awarded after the carbon has been verified to be sequestered, not in advance. Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • All Venice Critics’ Week entries will compete alongside titles in the official selection for the fest’s Lion of the Future prize, which is worth $100,000.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 21 July 2025
  • But the real prize lies ahead: a future where manufacturers can respond to change with agility, drive sustainable growth, and empower their people like never before.
    Richard Howells, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The plummeting price could be attributed to OPEC’s decision to heavily increase production in May, June, and July of this year.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The Kansas City Royals aren't far out of playoff contention, but with a congested race in the American League, some teams will have to make tough decisions very soon.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The Chicago Bulls signed guard Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract Saturday, rewarding the point guard for a strong summer league performance in Las Vegas.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • Before the start of the 2024 season, the Jets rewarded cornerback Michael Carter II with a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • China, which mines about 60% of the Earth’s rare earth mineral supply and has sparred with President Donald Trump over his sweeping tariff policies, recently granted rare earth export permits for the U.S. with the exception of military uses.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Malone, notably, granted McGuirk a proxy to vote on his 887,079 Series B common stock shares (44% of the company’s voting power) last year.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Oval Beach often receives accolades as one of the best beaches in Michigan.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 July 2025
  • Mayer previously ran the Mentors at Cordova High program and was awarded the 2012 Rancho Cordovan of the Year accolade.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • In the verdict’s wake, the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) solidified an alliance with USA Gymnastics to officially sanction its competitions.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Erin, who had been awaiting the verdict at the courthouse since deliberations began on Thursday, openly wept upon hearing the verdict of the first count read aloud.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • With Pro Skater 3+4, the developers aimed to strike a balance between honoring the series’ legacy and evolving it for a new generation of players.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • Glenn was honored in the Guest Actor in a Drama category.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • This could have swayed people on social media, but that doesn’t normally impact fighter’s opinions.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • Another envelope would follow with the state’s response, then another with the court’s opinion.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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