Provide — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /prə-ˈvīd/ pro·vide

Meaning & Definition of Provide

Provide (verb)

  1. to supply or make available (something wanted or needed); also, afford
  2. to make something available to
  3. to have as a condition, stipulate

Provide (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption

    "this luxury hotel provides all the comforts of home to well-heeled vacationers"

    similar: deliver, feed, furnish, give, hand, hand over, supply
    related: ply (with), administer, allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate, assign, cede, deed, make over, transfer
    opposite: hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold
    near: conserve, keep up, maintain, preserve, save

Related Entry: Provide (for) (verb)

Provide (for) is a different word from Provide. The synonyms below are for provide (for), not for provide.

  1. to give consideration to (as unexpected circumstances or contingencies)

    "the rules provide for emergency situations, spelling out certain exceptions"

    similar: allow (for), consider, factor (in or into), regard, figure on, reckon with, take account of, take into account
    related: accommodate, adapt, adjust, condition, anticipate, contemplate, envisage, expect, foresee, assume, presume, presuppose, plan, calculate, face
    opposite: discount, disregard
    near: factor (out)

  2. to pay the living expenses of

    "sufficient income to provide for his ever growing family"

    similar: keep, maintain, support, foot the bill (for), take care of
    related: finance, fund, patronize, set up, sponsor, stake, underwrite

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Provide

The most common words with a similar meaning to Provide:

deliver, feed, furnish, give, hand, hand over, supply

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Provide

Words with the opposite meaning of Provide:

hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold

Related Words for Provide

ply (with), administer, allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate, assign, cede, deed, make over, transfer

Near Antonyms of Provide

conserve, keep up, maintain, preserve, save

Word Forms of Provide

Inflections: provided, providing

Origin & Etymology of Provide

Middle English, from Latin providēre, literally, to see ahead, from pro- forward + vidēre to see pro-, wit

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Provide

Words & Phrases Containing Provide

provide against, provide for

Frequently Asked Questions about Provide

What does "Provide" mean?

"Provide" means to supply or make available (something wanted or needed); also, afford. As a verb, it is defined as: to supply or make available (something wanted or needed); also, afford.

What is another word for "Provide"?

Other words for "Provide" include deliver, feed, furnish, give, hand, hand over and supply. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Provide" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Provide"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Provide". Common alternatives include deliver, feed, furnish, give, hand, hand over and supply.

What is the opposite of "Provide"?

Antonyms of "Provide" include hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain and withhold. Near antonyms include conserve, keep up, maintain and preserve.

How do you use "Provide" in a sentence?

Examples of "Provide" in a sentence: "this luxury hotel provides all the comforts of home to well-heeled vacationers".

Is "Provide" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Provide" is a verb.

Is "Provide" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Provide" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Provide"?

"Provide" is pronounced /prə-ˈvīd/ and divided into syllables as pro·vide.