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Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Present” — 13 Other Ways to Say It

Something you give to someone as a gift for a special occasion.

IPA: /ˈprɛzənt/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meanings of Present — Pick the Sense You Need

Present has 4 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.

  1. Meaning #1 as a noun

    Something you give to someone as a gift for a special occasion.

  2. Meaning #2 as a noun

    The time that is happening right now, not the past or future.

  3. Meaning #3 as a verb

    To show or give something officially to a group of people.

  4. Meaning #4 as a adjective

    Existing or happening now; here or there right now.

How to Pronounce Present

IPA: /ˈprɛzənt/ Stress: Oo

Stress falls on the first syllable: PREZ-ent, not prez-ENT.

Full pronunciation guide for present →

3 Synonyms for Present (Meaning #1 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use present as a noun. Meaning: Something you give to someone as a gift for a special occasion.

gift

/ɡɪft/
noun A1

something you give to another person as a present, often to show love or appreciation

Example: I received a birthday gift from my grandmother.

3 Synonyms for Present (Meaning #2 — as a noun)

These synonyms work when you use present as a noun. Meaning: The time that is happening right now, not the past or future.

now

/naʊ/
adv A1

At this moment or the present time; not in the past or future.

Example: I am busy now, but I can help you later.

today

/təˈdeɪ/
adv A1

During this day, right now, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Example: Today is Monday.

3 Synonyms for Present (Meaning #3 — as a verb)

These synonyms work when you use present as a verb. Meaning: To show or give something officially to a group of people.

give

/ɡɪv/
verb A1

To pass something to another person; to provide or hand over.

Example: Can you give me that book?

show

/ʃoʊ/
noun A1

Entertainment or performance that people watch in person or on TV.

Example: We watched a concert show last night.

introduce

/ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs/
verb A2

To tell two people each other's names and help them meet for the first time.

Example: Can you introduce me to your brother at the party?

4 Synonyms for Present (Meaning #4 — as a adjective)

These synonyms work when you use present as a adjective. Meaning: Existing or happening now; here or there right now.

current

/ˈkɜːrənt/
adj B1

Current describes something that is happening right now or something that is in use today.

Example: The current situation in the office has changed since yesterday.

here

/hɪr/
adv A1

In the place where you are now or where something is.

Example: Come here and sit next to me.

available

/əˈveɪləbəl/
adj A1

Something you can get or use right now; not busy or taken.

Example: The doctor has no available appointments until next week.

Smart Synonyms for Present — When to Use Each

gift

most common synonym for something given

offering

more formal when given as tribute or respect

Antonyms of Present — Opposite Words

How to Use Present and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • She gave me a present for my birthday. A1
  • The children opened their Christmas presents with excitement. A2
  • He brought an elegant present to the wedding ceremony. B1
  • Let us focus on the present moment. A2
  • At present, the company is hiring new employees. B1

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Present

What is another word for "present"?

Common synonyms for "present" include: gift, offering, token, now, today.

What can I say instead of "present"?

Try one of these alternatives: gift, offering, token, now, today. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "present" formal or informal?

"present" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "present" instead of "gift"?

Use "present" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "gift" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "present"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "present" include: past, future, conceal, hide, absent.

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