Entry Word: assert

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to state clearly and strongly <Mrs. Cartwright is never afraid to assert her allegiance to flag and country>

Synonyms affirm, aver, avouch, avow, declare, lay down, profess

Related Words advance, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize; announce, blaze, call, proclaim, pronounce, say; accent, accentuate, emphasize, stress, underline, underscore; advocate, champion, defend, espouse, support, uphold; assure, convince, persuade; explain, justify, rationalize

Near Antonyms minimize, understate; disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook

2 to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration <asserted that a new roof would be necessary if the church was to remain open> — see argue 1
3 to state as a fact usually forcefully <vigorously asserted that he was innocent of all the charges> — see claim 1