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

Even as his pain intensified and his leg grew worse without adequate blood flow, he was not immediately relocated to an intensive care unit, but was instead moved for several days between post-anesthesia units, despite protestations from his wife, a veteran emergency room nurse, the suit said. —Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026

But Luis is determined to continue the search for his daughter and decides to follow a caravan on to the next site despite their protestations that his van is not up for the journey. —ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026

Courtenay, as a caregiver with deeply sympathetic layers, exhibits frustration and compassion in equal measure, blending the obstinate protestations of a man in his twilight years with the lifelong tenderness and wisdom that often accompany them. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

But there is a theatrical beauty to Curwen’s work that remains appealing despite his protestations, drawing parallels with his idols Lee Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 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