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 The event underscored the significance of McMillan’s leadership while also affirming the fair’s commitment to fostering community and elevating Black voices. Okla Jones, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 Mae Martin got top surgery for gender affirming healthcare. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 29 Sep. 2025 Under Nelson, leaders also strengthened restrictions on members who pursued gender-affirming medical treatments or adopted new names, pronouns, or forms of dress, drawing criticism that the measures marginalized transgender members. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 On April 2, according to statements from NPR executives filed along with its legal petition, a top CPB executive, Kathy Merritt, affirmed that the corporation had approved NPR's contract extension. David Folkenflik, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm
Verb
  • Wimbledon insists on white clothing and strawberries with cream (distinguished rituals that trace back generations).
    Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Rather than chasing Netflix or Disney+, Bilke insists on doubling down on the values of public broadcasting.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Following Milwaukee's August storms, over 50 properties were declared uninhabitable.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The city of Fayetteville declared a housing crisis in the city in April 2024.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Police also allege Jonathan Arfsten, 49, took copper from two other closed Pick ‘n Save locations in Milwaukee and one in Glendale.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In early September, Jakarta police alleged that some TikTok users purposefully broadcast live during the violence to entice viewers into giving them gifts or virtual prizes that can be exchanged for cash.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now’s the time to assert yourself and revel in your victories.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Gray asserted his authority with blunt force.
    Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Scammers will call or text consumers claiming to be a legitimate institution, such as a bank or a government institution.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Eight unoccupied houses were claimed by roaring Atlantic surf this week on the Outer Banks — a 200-mile ribbon of barrier islands on the North Carolina coast — as Hurricane Humberto and Hurricane Imelda passed offshore.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her early essays, written through a Marxian lens, proclaimed revolutionary socialism as justice’s true path.
    Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • This call to action, this call to love, this call for empathy, acknowledging each other's humanity both intra-community and for those who proclaim allyship.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Combs maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the five counts brought against him.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Watching your character confront Giuliano and attempt to profess her innocence once again was intense.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Warning signs, per federal guidance, can include someone quickly professing love, claiming to live far away, requests to move conversations to other apps and having bad grammar.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on affirm

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