avow

verb

\ ə-ˈvau̇

avowed; avowing; avows

Definition of avow

transitive verb

1 : to declare assuredly She avowed her innocence.

2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame ever ready to avow his reactionary outlook

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

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Choose the Right Synonym for avow

acknowledge, admit, own, avow, confess mean to disclose against one's will or inclination. acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed. acknowledged an earlier peccadillo admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications. admitted the project was over budget own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself. must own I know little about computers avow implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about. avowed that he was a revolutionary confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt. confessed a weakness for sweets

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 avow in a Sentence

avowed that the colonization of Mars in our lifetime is not only possible but probable avowed their undying love for each other

Recent Examples on the Web

The state of the Casey/Barletta race prior to Casey’s avowed opposition to any Trump nominee strongly favored Casey. — John Baer, Philly.com, "Casey's opposition to Trump SCOTUS pick raises questions about Casey's abortion stance | John Baer," 10 July 2018 Many also avow that even with the North Waziristan sweep, militants were given an early heads-up to move over into Afghanistan. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Trump's wrath forces Pakistan to double down on push to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries," 10 July 2018 Those of us who have tied ourselves to President Trump and who have avowed to support his policies are winning. — Fox News, "Rep. Cuellar on battle over separating families at border," 19 June 2018 Adherents to the politics of adulation have been in close combat with those who avow the politics of condemnation. — Robyn Dixon, latimes.com, "South African liberation fighter Winnie Madikizela-Mandela laid to rest with songs, tears and cheers," 14 Apr. 2018 Despite his reputation for mathematical precision and formal rigor, the French master was avowing the primacy of sonic beauty. — Stuart Isacoff, WSJ, "Composing Organized Delirium," 29 Sep. 2017 Merkel herself avows that the events of 2015 cannot be repeated. — Isaac Stanley-becker, Washington Post, "The refugee crisis once threatened to sink Angela Merkel’s career. How did the German chancellor weather the storm?," 21 Sep. 2017 The group openly avows the idealism that drew them to Obama’s first presidential campaign, along with a commitment to rational discourse in the face of partisan incivility. — Ben Austen, New Republic, "Ravi Gupta is recruiting a fresh slate on candidates to take down Trump. But can a former Obama staffer forge a new path for Democrats?," 7 Sep. 2017 The video premiered during a ceremony hosted by pop star and avowed Swift nemesis Katy Perry. — Los Angeles Times Staff, latimes.com, "A Star Is Born: Shania Twain turns 52 today," 28 Aug. 2017

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

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The first known use of avow was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for avow

avow

verb

English Language Learners Definition of avow

formal : to declare or state (something) in an open and public way

See the full definition for avow in the English Language Learners Dictionary

avow

verb

\ ə-ˈvau̇

avowed; avowing

Kids Definition of avow

: to declare openly and frankly I was surprised at the coolness with which John avowed his knowledge of the island …— Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island