The closest everyday alternatives to “bestowing” are giving and granting. “Bestowing” means giving something valuable, such as an honor, a title, a gift, or praise, usually in a formal or generous way. For official honors and titles, conferring and awarding fit best. For generous giving, endowing and lavishing are often better.
The best alternative depends on what is being given and how. A prize, a legal right, a family heirloom, and a kind word each call for a different verb. The words below are listed in their base form, so “give” becomes “giving” when you need the “-ing” form.
Quick list: giving, granting, conferring, awarding, presenting, endowing, imparting, lavishing
This article looks at 30 alternatives, with meanings, IPA, usage notes, and examples, so you can choose the right one for your context.
At a Glance: Bestowing Synonyms and Related Alternatives
| Alternative | Part of Speech | Meaning | Register / Tone | Ideal Context |
| Give | verb | to hand over or provide | Neutral, everyday | Almost any situation |
| Grant | verb | to give officially or willingly | Formal to neutral | Permission, rights, requests |
| Confer | verb | to give a title, degree, or honor | Formal | Universities, ceremonies |
| Award | verb | to give as a prize or reward | Neutral to formal | Competitions, achievements |
| Present | verb | to give formally, often in public | Neutral to formal | Ceremonies, gifts, prizes |
| Endow | verb | to give money or a quality | Formal | Donations, natural talents |
| Impart | verb | to pass on knowledge or a quality | Formal | Teaching, advice, feeling |
| Lavish | verb | to give in large amounts | Expressive | Praise, attention, gifts |
| Accord | verb | to give what is due | Formal | Respect, status, treatment |
| Bequeath | verb | to leave to someone after death | Formal, legal | Wills, legacies |
Which Word Should You Use?
| If you want to… | Use | Why |
| Say it in simple, everyday English | give | It works in almost every context. |
| Give official permission or a right | grant | It suggests approval from someone with authority. |
| Give a degree, title, or honor | confer | It is the standard formal verb for these. |
| Give a prize for achievement | award | It points to a reward earned or judged. |
| Make someone a knight in a ceremony | dub | It is the traditional verb for knighthood. |
| Give a large amount of praise or attention | lavish | It stresses generosity and quantity. |
| Give a quality or ability to someone | endow | It works for talents, features, and funds. |
| Leave property after death | bequeath | It is the legal and traditional word for wills. |
Exploring the Multiple Meanings of “Bestowing”
1. Giving a Gift or Honor
- Meaning: To present something to someone as a gift or honor.
- Explanation: This is the most common sense. The thing given is usually valuable or respected, and the tone is formal or generous.
- Example: The city is bestowing its highest honor on the retired nurse.
2. Conferring a Title, Right, or Power
- Meaning: To give someone an official title, status, or authority.
- Explanation: Here the giver usually holds power, such as a ruler, a university, or a court. The thing given changes the receiver’s position.
- Example: The queen bestowed a knighthood on the scientist.
3. Giving Feelings, Praise, or Attention
- Meaning: To direct kindness, praise, or care toward someone.
- Explanation: The thing given is not an object. It is often a feeling or a kind gesture, and the tone is warm or slightly grand.
- Example: She bestowed a warm smile on every guest.
4. Placing or Lodging (Old Use)
- Meaning: To put something in a place, or to provide lodging.
- Explanation: This sense is old and now rare. It comes from the word’s origin in “stow,” meaning to place, and you will mostly meet it in older texts.
- Example: The travelers were bestowed in the inn for the night.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary, Dictionary.com, Etymonline
Analyzing 30 Bestowing Alternatives in Detail
Some of the words below are close synonyms of “bestow,” while others fit only one kind of giving, such as honors, gifts, or knowledge, and are marked as related alternatives.
Core Synonyms
1. Give
IPA: /ɡɪv/ (US and UK)
Definition: To hand over, provide, or present something to someone.
- Usage: This is the plainest synonym. It has no special tone, so it lacks the formal, ceremonial feel of “bestow.”
- Example: The school gave every student a certificate.
2. Grant
IPA: US /ɡrænt/ · UK /ɡrɑːnt/
Definition: To give or allow something formally, especially a right, request, or permission.
- Usage: It is a close synonym when the thing given is official, such as permission, rights, or money from an authority.
- Example: The committee granted her a three-year research fund.
3. Present
IPA: /prɪˈzent/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give something formally, often in front of other people.
- Usage: It stresses the act of giving, usually at a ceremony. It is a related alternative for prizes, gifts, and awards.
- Example: The mayor presented the winners with their medals.
4. Award
IPA: US /əˈwɔːrd/ · UK /əˈwɔːd/
Definition: To give something, such as a prize or payment, as a reward or by official decision.
- Usage: It fits when the gift is earned or decided by judges or an authority. It is narrower than “bestow.”
- Example: The judges awarded first prize to the youngest runner.
5. Confer
IPA: US /kənˈfɜːr/ · UK /kənˈfɜː/
Definition: To give someone an official title, degree, honor, or right.
- Usage: It is a close, formal synonym of “bestow” for titles and degrees. Its other meaning, “to discuss,” is unrelated.
- Example: The university conferred an honorary degree on the author.
Formal Honors and Titles
6. Invest
IPA: /ɪnˈvest/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give someone a rank, title, or official power, often in a ceremony.
- Usage: This is a related, formal alternative. It is mostly used for official positions, not ordinary gifts.
- Example: The council invested the new mayor with the chain of office.
7. Dub
IPA: /dʌb/ (US and UK)
Definition: To make someone a knight by touching a sword to the shoulder, or to give someone a title or name.
- Usage: It is a narrow, related alternative. It works for knighthood, or informally for giving someone a nickname.
- Example: The king dubbed him a knight at the end of the ceremony.
8. Honor
IPA: US /ˈɑːnər/ · UK /ˈɒnə/
Definition: To show great respect for someone, often by giving a public award or title.
- Usage: It is a related alternative. The object is the person, as in “honor someone with,” not the thing given.
- Example: The town honored the firefighters with a public parade.
9. Decorate
IPA: /ˈdekəreɪt/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give someone a medal or official honor.
- Usage: It is a related, narrow alternative used mainly for military or national honors.
- Example: The general was decorated for bravery.
10. Accord
IPA: US /əˈkɔːrd/ · UK /əˈkɔːd/
Definition: To give someone something they are due, such as respect or status.
- Usage: It is formal and fits abstract things like respect, rights, or recognition. It is less common for physical gifts.
- Example: The law accords equal rights to all citizens.
11. Vest
IPA: /vest/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give someone legal power, authority, or a right.
- Usage: It is a related legal term, usually found in the pattern “vest power in” or “vest someone with.” It is not used for ordinary gifts.
- Example: The constitution vests the power to declare war in Congress.
Gifts and Generosity
12. Donate
IPA: US /ˈdoʊneɪt/ · UK /dəʊˈneɪt/
Definition: To give money or goods, especially to a charity or good cause.
- Usage: It is a related alternative for charitable giving. Unlike “bestow,” it does not suggest honor or rank.
- Example: The family donated their old books to the library.
13. Gift
IPA: /ɡɪft/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give something as a present.
- Usage: It is a close alternative for presents. As a verb it sounds a little formal and is used mostly for valuable items.
- Example: She gifted her niece a silver necklace.
14. Endow
IPA: /ɪnˈdaʊ/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give money for the long-term support of an institution, or to give someone a quality or talent.
- Usage: It is a related alternative. It is often used in the passive, as in “endowed with talent,” where “bestowed with” is less standard.
- Example: A wealthy family endowed a scholarship fund at the college.
15. Lavish
IPA: /ˈlævɪʃ/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give something in very large amounts.
- Usage: It adds the idea of generosity to excess. It is a related alternative, often followed by “on” or “upon,” like “bestow.”
- Example: The grandparents lavished gifts on the new baby.
16. Shower
IPA: US /ˈʃaʊər/ · UK /ˈʃaʊə/
Definition: To give someone a large amount of something, such as gifts or praise.
- Usage: It is a related, figurative alternative, usually in the pattern “shower someone with.”
- Example: Fans showered the singer with flowers.
17. Heap
IPA: /hiːp/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give a large amount of something to someone, especially praise or blame.
- Usage: It is informal and related only in this sense. Unlike “bestow,” it can also be used for criticism.
- Example: Critics heaped praise on the film.
Passing On and Distributing
18. Impart
IPA: US /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ · UK /ɪmˈpɑːt/
Definition: To pass on information, knowledge, or a quality to someone.
- Usage: It is a formal, related alternative for non-physical things such as knowledge, feelings, or flavor.
- Example: The old teacher imparted her love of music to her students.
19. Bequeath
IPA: /bɪˈkwiːð/ (US and UK)
Definition: To leave property or money to someone in a will.
- Usage: It is a related alternative with a narrow meaning. It is correct only when the giving happens at death.
- Example: He bequeathed his farm to his daughter.
20. Hand down
IPA: /ˌhænd ˈdaʊn/ (US and UK)
Definition: To pass something on to a younger person or later generation.
- Usage: It is a related, everyday phrasal verb for traditions, objects, and skills.
- Example: The recipe was handed down from her great-grandmother.
21. Dispense
IPA: /dɪˈspens/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give out or distribute something, often in set amounts.
- Usage: It is related but lacks the grandness of “bestow.” It suggests handing things out to many people.
- Example: The pharmacy dispenses medicine only with a prescription.
22. Allot
IPA: US /əˈlɑːt/ · UK /əˈlɒt/
Definition: To give a share of something to each person or purpose.
- Usage: It is a related alternative that suggests careful sharing, not honor or generosity.
- Example: The teacher allotted each group ten minutes.
23. Distribute
IPA: /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give out something among several people or places.
- Usage: It is a related, neutral alternative. It focuses on spreading things around, not on the honor of giving.
- Example: Volunteers distributed food to families after the storm.
Literary and Old-Fashioned Alternatives
24. Endue
IPA: US /ɪnˈduː/ · UK /ɪnˈdjuː/
Definition: To provide someone with a quality or ability.
- Usage: It is a rare, literary word, close to “endow.” It is mainly found in older or religious writing.
- Example: The story tells of a hero endued with great courage.
25. Vouchsafe
IPA: /ˌvaʊtʃˈseɪf/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give or grant something in a kind or generous way, as if doing the person a favor.
- Usage: It is a rare, old-fashioned synonym. It suggests the giver is higher in rank than the receiver.
- Example: The king vouchsafed no answer to their request.
26. Favor
IPA: US /ˈfeɪvər/ · UK /ˈfeɪvə/
Definition: To give someone special treatment or a kind gift.
- Usage: It is a related alternative, usually in the pattern “favor someone with.” It is found in formal or old-fashioned writing.
- Example: The queen favored the young poet with a place at court.
Related Contextual Alternatives
27. Contribute
IPA: /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/ (US and UK)
Definition: To give money, time, or effort along with others toward a shared goal.
- Usage: It is a related alternative. It suggests a shared effort, not a single grand gift.
- Example: Every neighbor contributed to the repair fund.
28. Extend
IPA: /ɪkˈstend/ (US and UK)
Definition: To offer or give something, such as help or an invitation.
- Usage: It is a related, polite alternative for things like help, thanks, and welcome.
- Example: The hotel extended a warm welcome to all visitors.
29. Provide
IPA: /prəˈvaɪd/ (US and UK)
Definition: To supply someone with something they need.
- Usage: It is a related, neutral alternative. It focuses on meeting a need, not on honor or generosity.
- Example: The charity provides meals to people in need.
30. Lend
IPA: /lend/ (US and UK)
Definition: To add a quality to something, or to give temporarily.
- Usage: It is related only in figurative use, as in “lend dignity” or “lend support.” It does not mean to give permanently.
- Example: Her calm voice lent comfort to the room.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary, Collins Thesaurus, Dictionary.com
Bestow vs. Confer vs. Grant vs. Give
These four verbs are often confused. They overlap, but each has its own typical use.
| Word | Typical Use | Tone | Example |
| Give | Anything, from objects to help | Neutral | She gave him a book. |
| Grant | Permission, rights, requests, funds | Formal | The court granted the request. |
| Confer | Titles, degrees, honors | Very formal | The college conferred the degree. |
| Bestow | Honors, gifts, praise, favors | Formal, slightly grand | The king bestowed a title on him. |
“Bestow” is the broadest of the formal verbs. It can cover a title like “confer,” a favor like “grant,” and a feeling like “impart.”
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary
Bestowing and Opposite/Paired Word Pairs
| Word | Paired Word | Note |
| Bestow | Withhold | The natural opposite: to hold back what could be given. |
| Bestow | Receive | A paired action: one person gives, the other receives. |
| Bestow | Revoke | Used for rights, titles, or honors that are taken back. |
| Bestow | Strip | Often used for titles and ranks, as in “stripped of his title.” |
| Confer | Deny | Used when an honor or right is refused. |
| Grant | Refuse | Used for requests and permission. |
Bestowing has no single perfect antonym. The best opposite depends on what was being given. A title can be revoked, an honor can be refused, and a kindness can be withheld.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins Thesaurus
Common Word Partners of “Bestowing”
| Pattern | Common Partners | Example |
| bestow + honor or award | honor, award, title, knighthood, degree | The university bestowed an honorary degree on her. |
| bestow + gift or favor | gift, favor, blessing, kindness | The priest bestowed a blessing on the couple. |
| bestow + praise or attention | praise, attention, affection | Teachers bestowed praise on the hard-working class. |
| bestow + power or right | power, right, authority | The law bestows certain rights on citizens. |
| bestow + on/upon + person | on someone, upon someone | The prize was bestowed upon a young scientist. |
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary
Idiomatic Phrases Featuring “Bestowing”
“Bestow” has no widely known idioms. The expressions below are established fixed phrases, not true idioms.
1. Bestow upon
- Meaning: The standard pattern for naming the person who receives something. “Upon” is a slightly more formal version of “on.”
- Example: The committee bestowed the award upon a local teacher.
2. Bestow a blessing
- Meaning: To give someone a religious blessing or express kind approval.
- Example: The elder bestowed a blessing on the newlyweds.
3. Bestow a title
- Meaning: To give someone an official name or rank, such as “Sir,” “Dame,” or “Doctor.”
- Example: The prince bestowed a title on his loyal advisor.
4. Bestow a favor
- Meaning: To do something kind or generous for someone, often from a position of power.
- Example: The wealthy patron bestowed a favor on the young artist.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, Collins English Dictionary
Word Formation of “Bestowing”
Etymology & Structure
“Bestow” is formed from the prefix be- and the verb stow. “Stow” comes from the Old English noun stōw, meaning “place.” The original sense of “bestow” was to put something in a place, and the sense of giving developed later.
Date and History
Merriam-Webster dates “bestow” to the 14th century. The modern meaning of giving became its main use over time, and the older “to place” sense faded.
Word Class Variations
- Verb: bestow, bestows, bestowed, bestowing
- Noun: bestowal (the act of giving), bestower (a person who gives), bestowment (less common)
Sources: Etymonline, Merriam-Webster
Common Word-Choice Mistakes
- Bestow him an award: bestow an award on him. “Bestow” needs “on” or “upon” before the receiver.
- She was bestowed with great talent: she was endowed with great talent. “Endowed with” is the usual pattern for qualities.
- I bestowed my friend a card: I gave my friend a card. Plain “give” suits ordinary situations.
- The bank bestowed her a loan: the bank granted her a loan. “Grant” is the normal verb for loans and permission.
- The judge bestowed a penalty: the judge imposed a penalty. “Bestow” is for positive things, not punishments.
- The college donated him a degree: the college conferred a degree on him.
- He bestowed his old clothes to charity: he donated his old clothes to charity. “Bestow” suggests honor, not ordinary giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest synonym for bestowing?
“Giving” is the most common, and “conferring” and “granting” are the closest formal choices. Which is best depends on what is being given.
What is a simple word for bestow?
“Give” is the simplest alternative. It fits almost every situation.
What is the difference between bestow and confer?
“Confer” is mainly for titles, degrees, and honors. “Bestow” is broader and can also cover gifts, praise, and favors.
Is bestow formal?
Yes, it sounds formal and a little grand. It is more common in writing, speeches, and ceremonies than in casual talk.
Can you bestow something on a place as well as a person?
Yes. People often bestow honors on towns or institutions as well as individuals, as in “the title was bestowed on the city.”
Can bestowing be used for negative things?
Not normally. “Bestow” suggests something valuable or kind. For punishments, use “impose” or “inflict.”
What is the opposite of bestowing?
“Withholding” is the closest opposite, and “revoking” works for taking back a title or right.
What is a literary alternative to bestow?
“Vouchsafe” and “endue” are literary choices. Both are rare and old-fashioned.
Is it correct to say “bestowed with”?
It appears in some writing, but “bestowed on” or “bestowed upon” is the standard pattern. For qualities, “endowed with” is a safer choice.
What is the noun for bestow?
The usual noun is “bestowal.” A person who bestows is a “bestower.”
Conclusion
The closest everyday alternatives to “bestowing” are giving and granting. For honors and degrees, conferring and awarding are the best fits. For generous giving, endowing, lavishing, and showering add useful shades of meaning.
Context decides the right choice. Some words suit official rights, some suit gifts and money, and others suit knowledge or praise. A few, such as “bequeath” and “dub,” fit only narrow situations.
To choose well, first ask what is being given, then think about the tone you want. Use “give” for simple writing, “confer” or “grant” for formal writing, and “lavish” or “shower” when the giving is generous.
Ali Sultan is a writer and editor at Breveso.com, where he covers synonyms for emotions, everyday speech, and modern slang. He has spent years playing with words, first as an English literature student and later as a content editor. Ali believes no one should get stuck on a single word. His guides break synonyms down by tone and situation, so readers can pick the word that fits, not just the first one they find. He is currently building out Breveso’s collections on feelings, actions, and casual speech. His rule is simple: if a guide does not help a real person write a better sentence, it does not get published.
