donate

verb

ˈdō-ˌnāt How to pronounce donate (audio)
Definition of donatenext
as in to volunteer
to make a present of we plan to donate all the profits from the rummage sale to charity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb donate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of donate are afford, bestow, confer, give, and present. While all these words mean "to convey to another as a possession," donate is likely to imply a publicized giving (as to charity).

donate a piano to the orphanage

When is it sensible to use afford instead of donate?

The synonyms afford and donate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 could bestow be used to replace donate?

While the synonyms bestow and donate are close in meaning, bestow implies the conveying of something as a gift and may suggest condescension on the part of the giver.

bestow unwanted advice

When would confer be a good substitute for donate?

The meanings of confer and donate largely overlap; however, confer implies a gracious giving (as of a favor or honor).

confer an honorary degree

When might give be a better fit than donate?

In some situations, the words give and donate are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Where would present be a reasonable alternative to donate?

Although the words present and donate have much in common, 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 donate During the interwar period, after Louis and Louise died, Charles donated their magnificent château, Champs-sur-Marne, to the French government. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 Their nonprofit aims to donate and plant 5,000 fig trees, addressing hunger in a county where David Burke says one in five families lives below the federal poverty level. — Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 In 2020, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for COVID-19 research. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The team also received a set of golf clubs donated by Addison and the Urban Golf Weekend board. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
  1. volunteer
  2. contribute
  3. give
Verb
  • Other areas of concern are the library system's self-check-out kiosks, instances in which minor teenagers handle materials while working or volunteering at a branch, and platforms for loaning electronic materials, Adams said.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Billionaires can volunteer large sums of cash without being forced to do so.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of volunteer
Verb
  • Its architecture could contribute to future efforts involving inexpensive rockets produced in much larger quantities.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Despite what some claim, all families in Connecticut pay taxes – sales, property and income taxes – contributing to our state and supporting their communities.
    — Derek Slap, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contribute
Verb
  • Suggest the plan, capture the takeaways, and give everyone one clear action.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Utilizing quick, short passes, Hayes completed 14 of his first 16 attempts, including a 26-yard touchdown strike to sophomore tight end Ian Figi that gave Naperville Central a 14-0 lead.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of give

Browse Nearby Words

don
donate
donated
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Cite this Entry

“Donate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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