bestow
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for bestow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give something formally or ceremonially, often as an honour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use bestow
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bestow an honour
bestow a title
bestow a gift upon someone
Fairly formal; used for awards, titles, and honours more than everyday gifts.
Etymology
From Middle English bestowen, built from "be-" plus "stow" ("to place or pack away") — originally meaning to put something in its proper place.
Full origin of bestow →Frequently asked questions
What does “bestow” mean?
The word “bestow” means to give something formally or ceremonially, often as an honour. In plain terms, to formally give or grant something, often as an honour or gift.
How do you pronounce “bestow”?
“Bestow” is pronounced bih-STOH (/bɪˈstoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bestow” in a sentence?
Here is “bestow” used in a sentence: “The university bestowed an honorary degree on the retiring professor.”
What part of speech is “bestow”?
“Bestow” is a verb.
Where does the word “bestow” come from?
The word “bestow” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bestowen, built from "be-" plus "stow" ("to place or pack away") — originally meaning to put something in its proper place.
