provide

verb

pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing
Synonyms of provide

transitive verb

1
a
: to supply or make available (something wanted or needed)
provided new uniforms for the band
also : afford
curtains provide privacy
b
: to make something available to
provide the children with free balloons
2
: to have as a condition : stipulate
the contract provides that certain deadlines will be met
3
archaic : to prepare in advance

intransitive verb

1
: to make preparation to meet a need
provide for entertainment
especially : to supply something for sustenance or support
provides for the poor
2
: to make a proviso or stipulation
The constitution … provides for an elected two-chamber legislature.—Current Biography
3
: to take precautionary measures
… provide for the common defense …—U.S. Constitution

Synonyms of provide

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Examples of provide in a Sentence

The website provides information about local activities. The curtains on the windows provide privacy. The school provided new uniforms for the band. The goal is to provide health care to as many people as possible. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at the meeting. The website provides users with information about local activities. The school provided the band with new uniforms. The store provides its customers with excellent service. Workers were provided with gloves for protection. The contract provides that certain deadlines will be met.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 But shortstop Colson Montgomery provided early offense with a three-run home run as part of a four-run first inning. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 His newsrooms, including the Kathmandu Post, have deployed all their assets to cover the tragedy, and to provide Nepalis with clear, accurate information on emergency relief, river monitoring, and other immediate needs. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 The legislature is also considering a bill that would provide some $100 million in annual funding to post-production work. — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for provide

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of provide was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing provide

Rhymes for provide

See All Rhymes for provide

Browse Nearby Words

pro-vice-chancellor
provide
provide against
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provide. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

provide

verb
pro·​vide prə-ˈvīd How to pronounce provide (audio)
provided; providing
1
: to take care of beforehand
provide against a possible scarcity
2
: to state a condition or stipulation
the contract provided for 10 paid holidays
3
: to supply what is needed for support
provides for a large family
4
: to supply or furnish for use
cows provide milk
provider noun
Etymology

Middle English providen "to provide," from Latin providēre, literally, "to see ahead," from pro- "ahead, forward" and vidēre "to see" — related to vision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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