affirm

verb

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af·firm | \ ə-ˈfərm

affirmed; affirming; affirms

Definition of affirm

transitive verb

1a : validate, confirm He was affirmed as a candidate.

b : to state positively He affirmed his innocence.

2 : to assert (something, such as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed The court affirmed his conviction.

3 : to show or express a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea) laws affirming the racial equality of all people

intransitive verb

1 : to testify or declare by affirmation (see affirmation sense 2) as distinguished from swearing an oath

2 : to uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court

Other Words from affirm Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about affirm

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Choose the Right Synonym for affirm

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. asserted that modern music is just noise declare stresses open or public statement. declared her support for the candidate affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. affirmed the existence of an afterlife protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. protested that he really had been misquoted avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Examples of affirm in a Sentence

We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine. They neither affirmed nor denied their guilt. laws affirming the racial equality of all peoples They continued to affirm their religious beliefs. The decision was affirmed by a higher court.

Recent Examples on the Web This commitment to affirming identity through correct pronouns and easy HRT was our reason for being. — The Economist, "Gender identity is hard but jumping to medical solutions is worse," 3 Dec. 2019 Fowler affirmed that New Berlin residents aren't trying to stand in the way of that goal. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Totally disrespected': New Berlin refuses to accept Waukesha's plan to build a pumping station in Minooka Park," 22 Nov. 2019 Arguably the cut of the season, the bob looks absolutely incredible on her, garnering more than a million likes and plenty of affirming comments from fans and fellow celebrities. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Joey King Is the Latest Celebrity to Embrace Fall's Big Bob Trend," 24 Oct. 2019 The series’ international acclaim via Netflix has affirmed that Mandabach’s gamble was worth it. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The American Sitcom Producer Gambling on British Television," 4 Oct. 2019 By arming clients with true informed consent, midwives are affirming clients in their choices throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. — Tatyana Ali, Essence, "‘Birthright’: Tatyana Ali’s Heartfelt Essay On The Importance and Beauty Of A Black Woman’s Pregnancy Journey," 2 Oct. 2019 The court affirmed the FCC’s decision to repeal 1930s utility-style regulation of the Internet imposed by the prior Administration... — Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, "Ajit Pai wins (and loses) in court as net neutrality repeal is mostly upheld," 1 Oct. 2019 Our Labs affirmed that the GH Seal star resists rusting and fading, thanks to its aluminum frame and heavy fabric. — Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, "The House the Seal Built," 16 Sep. 2019 The geography of the Civil War is repeating itself, but this time with the American South affirming the promise of the Founding — that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, first among them a right to life. — David French, National Review, "The South Is a Pro-Life Stronghold," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'affirm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near affirm

affinity chromatography

affirmation of the consequent

affirmative

Statistics for affirm

Last Updated

7 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Affirm.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmance. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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More Definitions for affirm

affirm

verb