Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ascertain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascertain are determine, discover, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is determine a more appropriate choice than ascertain?

The meanings of determine and ascertain largely overlap; however, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When would discover be a good substitute for ascertain?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascertain, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

In what contexts can learn take the place of ascertain?

The words learn and ascertain can be used in similar contexts, but learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

When can unearth be used instead of ascertain?

The words unearth and ascertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 ascertain An Essay on the Principles of Population was his attempt to ascertain where some of those limits might lie, so that policy could respond to social problems effectively, rather than exacerbating them by trying to achieve the impossible. Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025 The sweetest fruit The researchers of the new study, based at both American and Ivorian universities, sampled ripe fruit pulp from 20 species in both Uganda and Ivory Coast, using three different methods to ascertain the alcohol content. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 Singer is pioneering a new technique to incorporate small-scale simulations that can track individual particles to better ascertain the competing warming and cooling effects of clouds. Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 In the context of a subpoena, that means the health care provider must ascertain the purpose, accuracy and legality of the subpoena before disclosing any information. Margaret Riley, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Hollywood legend Cary Grant goes full-on slapstick as a man who discovers his sweet elderly aunts are actually serial killers.
    Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Researchers at Radware discovered the zero-click vulnerability in June 2025.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some residents have found debris as far as two miles from the facility, according to the Hickman County Sheriff’s office.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t expect to find an M5 in an iPhone, though.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But as his involvement in the burglary is realized, Mooney decides to make a run for it.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Plus, Jeff soon regains his memory, and after realizing he’s now forced to be a working stiff barely keeping his head above water, he’s pissed.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Steen learned about his Hall of Fame invitation during training camp.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Students will learn to wire avionics as well as to troubleshoot and repair wiring issues.
    Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • He has not been seen in public since March, but the investigation of his activities had not previously been disclosed by Chinese authorities.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • More than 60% of European companies cite regulation as an obstacle to investment, and most see it as their biggest challenge overall.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Photographer Gabriel Antal shared heartstopping footage to Instagram, under the handle hybaj_na_island, of the moment the group stopped to take pictures on the rocks at Reynisfjara, a famous black sand beach located in southern Iceland, near the town of Vík í Mýrdal.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The Airbnb will be located in the heart of the city, and is designed to look like a ‘70s television show.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in November regarding presidential authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers, while removal cases involving FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook await resolution.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Other signs of a wasp infestation include finding dead wasps in your home or hearing buzzing indoors.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Investigators are still determining what caused the crash.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Modern warfare increasingly depends on neuroscientific findings to help determine the best ways to train soldiers, defend populations against disinformation, and manage deterrence strategies.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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