protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprä-tə-ˈstā-shən 

ˌprō-, 

-ˌte-

: the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal

Synonyms of protestation

• declaration
• assertion
• insistence

Examples of protestation in a Sentence

Despite his protestations to the contrary, he appears to be guilty.

the governor went on television to make a passionate protestation of his innocence in the bribery scandal

Recent Examples on the Web

Imran’s protestations were not enough, and he was voted off by his fellow contestants — all of whom proceeded to spell his name wrong on their chalkboards. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026

Retroactive protestation of regret, or of being misled, as some politicians did after the Iraq War, will carry no weight. —Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Despite Harper's protestations over Yasmin rubbing elbows with Nazis and exploiting underage girls, Yasmin insists this new path is her calling. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 2 Mar. 2026

Sanheim didn’t exactly push Eyssimont into the crease and Sturm elected not to challenge, despite Eyssimont’s protestations of innocence. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for protestation

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

Kids Definition

protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprät-əs-ˈtā-shən 

ˌprō-ˌtes-

1

: the act of protesting

2

: a positive declaration