vouchsafe

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vouchsafe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vouchsafe are accord, award, concede, and grant. While all these words mean "to give as a favor or a right," vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension.

vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples

When can accord be used instead of vouchsafe?

While the synonyms accord and vouchsafe are close in meaning, accord implies giving to another what is due or proper.

accorded all the honors befitting a head of state

When is award a more appropriate choice than vouchsafe?

Although the words award and vouchsafe have much in common, award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors.

awarded the company a huge defense contract

In what contexts can concede take the place of vouchsafe?

The synonyms concede and vouchsafe are sometimes interchangeable, but concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim.

even her critics concede she can be charming

When might grant be a better fit than vouchsafe?

In some situations, the words grant and vouchsafe are roughly equivalent. However, grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld.

granted them a new hearing

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 vouchsafe Democracy is a fragile achievement, a perpetual work in progress, not the sort of thing that can be vouchsafed by a trend line — and certainly not the sort of thing that technology automatically generates. Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 26 June 2024 That’s why Phony Wars speaks to us in codes, an artist vouchsafing his feelings and intentions. Armond White, National Review, 29 Sep. 2023 Constitutionally speaking, the main reason for having federal law enforcement is to vouchsafe interstate and international commerce. The Editors, National Review, 20 Jan. 2022 Consider a test-tube example, almost ordered up to make the court’s case for it, vouchsafed by California just a few weeks ago. Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, 6 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vouchsafe
Verb
  • The Supreme Court on Friday granted the Trump administration’s emergency request to revoke former President Biden’s parole program that extended legal protections to hundreds of thousands of migrants from four Latin American countries.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 30 May 2025
  • The judge granted the request, immediately revoking Jerez-Robles' legal status.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • At 18, Neave already has a League Cup winners’ medal, despite having yet to make a first-team appearance.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Prospective candidates had until May 30 to submit their applications.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Conte’s side conceded just 27 goals in 38 league games, the strongest defensive record in Serie A and 18 fewer than Inter.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Many economists argue that trade deficits do not matter, and even proponents concede that doing so can cause short-term pain.
    Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • But even now, decades later, the U.S. has fewer missile interceptors deployed (44) than the treaty permitted (100).
    Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
  • Teams are permitted to have up to 35 players in their squad at the start of the tournament (and must have a minimum of 26).
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The socialite — who currently lives between Paris, Monte Carlo and Rome — appeared to suffer the injuries just days after attending the Monaco Grand Prix over Memorial Day weekend.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 29 May 2025
  • Ryan Garcia reportedly suffered a hand injury ahead of his unanimous-decision loss to Rolly Romero on May 2 in New York.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • When the Church sanctions the exorcism of Emma Schmidt, two priests divided by doubt must confront a force beyond comprehension...and their own faith.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Only 15 states have sanctioned girls flag football as a high school varsity sport.
    Shaela Foster, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vouchsafe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vouchsafe. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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