award 1 of 2

award

2 of 2

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
Earlier in the awards season, Karla Sofía Gascón explicitly mentioned injustices against trans people while speaking for the cast after the film’s triumph in the best musical or comedy film category at the Golden Globes. Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Mar. 2025 That film, Soul, was nominated for — and won — the same awards for which The Wild Robot is nominated at CAS and MPSE (Sound of Metal won the year Soul was nominated at the Oscars). Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Local establishments submit button designs every year and the foundation holds a contest that awards a trophy for the best one. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 Through the support of the LIM College Fashion Education Foundation, two scholarships will be awarded to students. Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for award
Recent Examples of Synonyms for award
Noun
  • Bong was just the second director of Asian descent to win the prize (Ang Lee had won twice).
    Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The Brutalist could steal the prize, though, since films about the craft that’s being honored sometimes have an advantage.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Andy Palmer faced similar decisions in his six years as CEO of Aston Martin and earned his Godfather of EVs nickname for pioneering the Leaf while global COO of Nissan.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
  • What works for one person in one situation often gets lost in translation, leaving teams to navigate critical decisions without a reliable blueprint.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • An extension would lower his 2025 salary-cap figure, now $25.5 million, and reward an All-Pro receiver who provided the leadership Washington’s new staff desired and a thrilling connection with the Offensive Rookie of the Year. 3.
    Ben Standig, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Start doing everything within your power to drive, support, and reward those high priority behaviors in every employee within your sphere.
    Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Lutnick did not specifically mention plans to grant funds under the program to Starlink, or any other satellite service.
    CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Davidson deserved patience, and Blackhawks fans were willing to grant that request, knowing the damage former GM Stan Bowman had done to the organization.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And then there were the accolades—namely back-to-back AD100 honors and being named House & Garden’s 2024 Interior Designer of the Year.
    Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Get to know the pair with a complete relationship timeline, starting with the latest: 2025 Saldaña wins several prestigious accolades for her work in Emilia Perez, with Marco accompanying her to events including the 2025 Academy Awards.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The case still has a long way to go before a verdict will be reached and IA's fate potentially decided.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Following the verdict, Superior Court Judge Elizabeth C. Leaming sentenced Jean-Baptiste to 364 days in prison.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now the storied pharmacist and retailer won’t honor that milestone, because it no longer will be publicly owned.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • And having young people celebrate 100 days of school by honoring our elders can be a great thing.
    Kelly Papa, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Parmesan Zucchini Tots Denser than your average tater tot—and (in this writer’s humble opinion) tastier, too.
    Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Even more so than in rehearsals, which were before the current administration had gone into office and before the election went south, in my opinion.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Award.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/award. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on award

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!