affirmation

noun

af·​fir·​ma·​tion ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən 

1

a

: the act of affirming

nodded his head in affirmation

b

: something affirmed : a positive assertion

His memoir is a reflective affirmation of family love.

2

law : a solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury by a person who conscientiously declines taking an oath

Synonyms of affirmation

• declaration
• assertion
• insistence

Examples of affirmation in a Sentence

a sworn affirmation that he had never acted as a spy for the enemy

Recent Examples on the Web

The welcome return, another highlight in a rich career, sparked the latest of Scott’s recurring affirmations. — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026

While the car caravans are acknowledged as a symbol of cultural pride and, for many, an affirmation of identity, Chicago city officials and Mexican Independence Day festival planners alike worry about the potential danger. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Threets became known online for spreading positivity and his affirmations. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Chiappini also read aloud notes found on the phone referencing Clancy’s struggles and seeming personal affirmations. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English affirmacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmation, affermacion, borrowed from Latin affirmātiōn-, affirmātiō, from affirmāre "to affirm" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing affirmation

• gender affirmation surgery
• self-affirmation

Rhymes for affirmation

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