confer

verb

kən-ˈfər How to pronounce confer (audio)
Definition of confernext
1
as in to grant
to give the ownership or benefit of (something) formally or publicly the British monarch continues to confer knighthood on those who are outstanding in their fields of endeavor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to consult
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem my parents are going to confer with a financial adviser about saving for their retirement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confer contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confer are afford, bestow, donate, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

In what contexts can afford take the place of confer?

While the synonyms afford and confer are close in meaning, 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 can bestow be used instead of confer?

The meanings of bestow and confer largely overlap; however, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When might donate be a better fit than confer?

In some situations, the words donate and confer are roughly equivalent. However, donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When could give be used to replace confer?

The words give and confer can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use present instead of confer?

While in some cases nearly identical to confer, 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 confer Every year of additional schooling confers a boost of up to 5 IQ points, according to a 2018 global meta-analysis. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025 Swan conferred with others at the Education Department who'd similarly been put on leave. —Andrea Hsu, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025 The veto power conferred by the bill is unprecedented and would not be subject to legislative, administrative or judicial review. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2025 Howard University On June 7, Howard University’s board of trustees unanimously voted to revoke the 2014 honorary degree conferred upon Diddy, who attended the school from 1987 to 1989. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confer
  1. grant
  2. consult
  3. discuss
Verb
  • All staffers were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Italy has agreed to welcome those migrants who are granted asylum, while those whose applications are rejected face deportation directly from Albania.
    — Erion Xhabafti, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of grant
Verb
  • In each case, the situation should be carefully and clearly considered, consulted medically and then morally as well.
    — Megan Forrester, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Architects now consult neuroscientists, and interior designers study circadian rhythms.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of consult
Verb
  • It is not believed to be on the agenda at its quarterly meetings in Zimbabwe from April 11-13, but likely to be discussed, perhaps informally.
    — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Howell discussed the increasing strain on Hollywood producers.
    — Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of discuss

Browse Nearby Words

confederations
confer
conference
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Cite this Entry

“Confer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confer. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of confer for Spanish Speakers

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