Synonym Chooser

How is the word affirm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for affirm?

While in some cases nearly identical to affirm, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When might avow be a better fit than affirm?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When can declare be used instead of affirm?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of affirm?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of affirm Leavitt affirmed to reporters on June 3 that call between the leaders was likely to take place this week but declined to provide additional details during her briefing. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 4 June 2025 In addition, all ACS and provider agency direct services staff and supervisors must take the ACS LGBTQ staff training, which covers best practices for engaging LGBTQ youth, outlines the ACS LGBTQ policy, and provides staff with affirming language. Molly Wasow Park, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025 Huckabee emphasized that archaeological discoveries continue to affirm the scriptural narrative connecting the Jewish people to the land. Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025 But all eyes are likely to be on A$AP Rocky, who’s done some scattered acting before, but who appears in his biggest role to date as Yung Felon, a part whose place in the story has yet to be revealed, but that’s been affirmed by Lee to be a major one. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for affirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm
Verb
  • Immediately after his death, Knight says Afeni, who died at age 60 in May 2016, turned to him and insisted her son be cremated, right then and there.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • First, Disney insists on direct senior leadership involvement, recognizing that executives must work alongside their teams to separate genuine AI capabilities from marketing hype.
    Maribel Lopez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • And the Justice Department warned that declaring the funding scheme unconstitutional would jeopardize many other programs.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Jariwala was transported from her home in Andheri to a hospital, where she was declared dead by the doctors, Mumbai police told ANI, which reported that police received information about her death at around 1 a.m. local time.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Chen ultimately began to communicate with a member of the Navy on social media, the DOJ alleges, and arranged for a tour of the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego with the employee.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • The criminal complaint alleges that she was captured on surveillance footage carrying a black backpack entering the locker room area, appearing to take a photo of the vicinity, and departing without the backpack.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In retrospect, both fans and Grenier himself have asserted that Nate may be the actual villain of The Devil Wears Prada, and not the titular devil herself.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • The athleisure label also asserted that Costco is known to use manufacturers of popular brands’ products for its own Kirkland private label.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Columbia University has offered $9 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by former students who claimed the university had submitted inaccurate data to U.S. News & World Report, according to the Columbia Spectator.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Republicans also included a provision that would allow metallurgical coal to claim an advanced manufacturing production tax credit.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Massey posted a social media video proclaiming his innocence.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • In it, Weger proclaimed his innocence. DNA testing on items, including Weger’s coat and hair found in the victims’ fists, showed the evidence had been contaminated.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Yet, their constant presence helped maintain urgency of the change process.
    IESE Business School, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Mah Jongg has been featured on morning talk shows, with Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager (of the Today Show) professing their love for the game.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • And days later, the two professed their love to one another.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affirm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affirm

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