Looking for a better way to say “put on”? This guide will help you find the right put on synonym based on how the phrase is used in different situations. From dressing to acting, applying to organizing, “put on” has many meanings—and each one has its own set of alternatives.
In the sections below, you’ll discover useful words and expressions that can replace “put on,” complete with example sentences. These synonyms will help you improve your vocabulary, avoid repetition, and sound more confident in both writing and conversation.
A synonym for “put on” depends on the context. Common alternatives include:
- Wear – for clothing: She wore a jacket to stay warm.
- Apply – for lotion or makeup: He applied sunscreen before leaving.
- Host – for events: The school hosted a cultural night.
- Fake – for emotions: She faked a smile during the meeting.
Synonyms for “Put On” by Meaning
Since “put on” has different meanings depending on context, it’s important to choose the right synonym for each situation. Below are grouped put on synonyms with example sentences to show how they’re used.
To wear clothing or accessories
Wear
- Jessica wore a thick wool sweater to stay warm during the evening walk.
- He wore a suit and tie to make a good impression at the interview.
Slip into
- David slipped into a clean set of clothes before heading to the dinner party.
- After a long day at work, she slipped into something more comfortable.
Get dressed in
- Olivia got dressed in her traditional outfit with embroidered details.
- He got dressed in casual clothes for the weekend hike.
To gain weight
Gain
- Over the last year, Ben gained a noticeable amount of weight due to the change in his routine.
- She gained a few pounds after switching to a less active lifestyle.
Pack on
- Lucas packed on several extra pounds during the winter holidays.
- Many people pack on weight during stressful weeks when unhealthy snacks become a daily habit.
Add (weight)
- After the surgery, Daniel added some weight, but he prioritized building back his strength through light exercise.
- He added some weight over the months but didn’t let it affect his confidence.
To apply something to your body
Apply
- Before attending the conference, Priya applied a light layer of foundation to achieve a smooth, natural look.
- He applied the ointment as instructed to help the wound heal.
Rub on
- Karim rubbed on a generous amount of sunscreen before heading outside.
- She rubbed on some muscle cream to ease the soreness.
Spread
- She spread the cooling gel across her shoulders after a long day in the sun.
- He spread the lotion evenly to prevent dry skin.
To organize or present a show/event
Host
- The school hosted a cultural night featuring dance, music, and food from different countries.
- They hosted a panel discussion on environmental sustainability.
Stage
- The drama club staged a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
- The group staged a flash mob in the middle of the town square.
Hold
- The organization held a fundraiser to support local youth programs.
- They held a workshop to help students prepare for exams.
To pretend or fake an emotion
Fake
- Ethan faked a calm expression to hide how nervous he was.
- She faked enthusiasm during the meeting even though she was exhausted.
Feign
- Although she had already guessed what was coming, Clara feigned surprise at the news.
- He feigned confidence despite feeling unsure about his performance.
Act
- Samantha acted cheerful throughout dinner even though she was dealing with bad news.
- He acted interested in the topic, but his mind was elsewhere.
To start or activate a device
Switch on
- Liam switched on the lights as soon as they entered the dark hallway.
- She switched on her laptop to start the online class.
Turn on
- Zoe turned on the speaker and selected her favorite playlist before starting her workout.
- He turned on the heater because the room was too cold.
Activate
- They activated the alarm system before leaving for vacation.
- She activated the timer to remind herself of the next task.
To place something on a surface
Place
- Emily placed the freshly baked cookies on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- He placed his phone on the table and walked away.
Set
- Jacob set the keys on the counter so he wouldn’t forget them.
- She set the plates on the dining table one by one.
Lay
- The assistant laid the documents neatly on the manager’s desk.
- He laid the tools out on the bench before starting the repair.
To use a tone, accent, or voice
Adopt
- Marcus adopted a serious tone to emphasize the key points of his argument.
- She adopted a cheerful tone when speaking to the children.
Affect
- He affected a dramatic voice to get a laugh from the audience.
- She affected a French accent for her role in the school play.
Imitate
- Daniel imitated the host’s accent so perfectly that everyone burst out laughing.
- They imitated the teacher’s voice just for fun.
To blame or assign responsibility (informal use)
Blame
- Julia blamed her assistant when the project deadline was missed.
- He blamed his classmates for the incomplete group task.
Pin on
- The manager pinned the mistake on the intern to avoid trouble.
- She tried to pin the broken vase on her younger brother.
Lay on
- Don’t lay your frustration on me just because your day didn’t go well.
- He laid all the responsibility on his friend without admitting his role.
Related Reading
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- 20 Better Ways to Say “Visited”
- Give In Synonym – 18 Alternative Words
Summary
The phrase “put on” has many uses in English, from describing how someone gets dressed to how they behave, apply something, or activate a device. Finding the right put on synonym depends on the context. Whether you’re trying to improve your vocabulary or write with more variety, using the correct alternative helps your English sound more fluent and precise.
