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

Encourage employees to replace self-blame with intentional affirmations. — Dr. Erika Rasure, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Within days, the Florida Supreme Court issued its own guidelines, rendering the separate affirmation redundant. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Aquarius may care deeply but express affection in ways that feel distant or unconventional to Cancer, who needs equal amounts of physical touch and words of affirmation to be reassured. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

Holiday-like celebrations (Pride Month), rainbow flags, public affirmations, government recognition, and expectations of participation/acceptance all serve as functions resembling religious practices. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 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