protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprä-tə-ˈstā-shən 

ˌprō-,

-ˌte-

: the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal

Synonyms

• declaration
• assertion
• insistence

Examples of protestation in a Sentence

Despite his protestations to the contrary, he appears to be guilty.

the governor went on television to make a passionate protestation of his innocence in the bribery scandal

Recent Examples on the Web

As the boy reached out to take the cap, Szczerek standing next to him snatched it away and gave it to a woman who put it in her handbag despite the boy’s visible protestations. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Apparently, despite everyone’s protestations that things are totes cool, these two are not totes cool. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 16 July 2025

The Trump administration’s protestations against nationwide injunctions come after Trump allies—including top advisor Stephen Miller, who founded legal group America First Legal—repeatedly sought similar court orders during Joe Biden’s presidency. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Expect giggling and protestations as the frustrated comics have the best worst time of their lives. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for protestation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprät-əs-ˈtā-shən 

ˌprō-ˌtes-

1

: the act of protesting

2

: a positive declaration