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

Our nation depends on independent journalism, investigative reporting and an affirmation of salient facts so policymakers can make critical decisions that shape society in America and across the world. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

In 2024-25, the Carabao Cup brought Newcastle glory and affirmation. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Most Americans are superficially familiar with the Declaration of Independence, especially its opening affirmations that we are all created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. —Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026

For her part, Rachel routinely showers her husband with words of affirmation in anniversary and birthday posts on Instagram. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 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