award 1 of 2

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
In addition to the monetary award, the SCPD has agreed to train its officers on policies regarding religious head coverings. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 Goldman: If Spencer Carbery won the award in 2023-24, maybe Dean Evason could have won this past season. The Athletic Nhl Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
Sunbathers who like to chase beach days with nighttime carousing will find pristine sands (Tamarindo has been awarded Costa Rica’s Blue Flag for eco-friendly practices) and plenty of restaurants and bars a short stroll away. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 An additional $20 million was awarded for injunctive relief, bringing the total to just under half a billion dollars. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • The announcement of this year's prize will be made on October 10 at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, and prizes are officially awarded each year on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel's death.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • Ryan made the trip up to Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee to claim her prize as a $640,000 lump sum, according to lottery officials.
    Olivia Lloyd July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Until this can be verified, the City Council must not come close to making any final decision.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • The legal advocacy group Center for Constitutional Rights criticized the decision, saying that without the plea agreements, the case will never be resolved.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Investor Demand For Clarity Investors now reward focus and coherence over scale and diversification.
    Alan Brew, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • One quality that was rewarded time and again, no matter the location?
    Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • He was granted approval to wear a small black ribbon instead.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Twenty years later, grant funding from the Department of Justice has set up 61 treatment courts and 30 diversion programs across Wisconsin.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 4 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
  • Following the verdict, his defense pushed back after the judge denied the rapper's request for bail.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025
  • Combs held Geragos’ hand tightly as the verdict was read.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • This conversation honors the deeply personal and generational journey of embracing natural beauty.
    Essence, Essence, 5 July 2025
  • Heat shooting coach Rob Fodor recently was honored by Hillsdale College with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Athletics.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Some people have very strong opinions on this topic.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • In her opinion, runway shows don’t allow for networking opportunities because people just watch the show and leave.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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