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

Despite their protestations, similar rules in place in parts of Europe and discussions in other parts of the world continue – Trump tariffs be damned. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025

Sunrise and sunset now come an hour earlier, despite my protestations. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

There were further frustrated protestations after he was booked. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

While the Fed has so far shied away from cutting interest rates despite Trump’s protestations, Wall Street analysts now suggest a cut could be likely, citing recent economic markers like last week’s worse-than-expected unemployment report. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

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