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 What is clear is that Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Kelce have donated $26 million to a slew of charities across the nation just ahead of their nuptials and America’s 250th birthday. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 July 2026 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated $26 million to at least 20 charities this week, a representative announced, in advance of a wedding reported to be taking place this weekend in New York. — Chris Willman, Variety, 2 July 2026 The engaged couple also donated funds to New York Cares, Food Bank for New York City, and $2 million to Education Through Music. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The America250 website lists nonprofit organizations, including those that focus on civic engagement, education, housing, conservation and veterans, that people can donate to. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for donate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donate
  1. volunteer
  2. contribute
  3. give
Verb
  • Today, Kober enjoys volunteering at his local community center, as well as making marquetry bookmarks and Viking chess boards.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • The findings suggest that while political divisions remain a defining feature of American life, many people are still open to celebrating, volunteering and engaging with those who hold opposing views.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of volunteer
Verb
  • Doha Madani, Chloe Melas, Brittany Kubicko, Daniel Arkin and Saba Hamedy contributed.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Swift has built a long track record of giving across education, disaster relief, food insecurity, and music programs, often contributing quietly or stepping in quickly during moments of urgent need.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of contribute
Verb
  • When this place is eventually gone — a phrase that feels truly bizarre given the environment this summer and the half-century preceding it — the lasting images will be the seas of red.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Officials advise the public to give bears space and not let pets bother them.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on donate

Nglish: Translation of donate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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