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 The attack came as global markets were trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025 The attack came as global markets were trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Aamer Madhani, Twin Cities, 23 June 2025 Global markets were also trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 In terms of the mechanism of fungicidal action, through protein analysis, the researchers were able to ascertain that CBD and CBDV disrupted cell membranes and metabolism. Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Staying here feels like discovering an untouched paradise—one that forces you to slow down and listen.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
  • Passing motorists discovered the crash at around 6:37 a.m., and the Geneva Police Department, Kane County Sheriff’s Office and Geneva and Batavia fire departments responded to the crash.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Officers found Miller with serious injuries and began lifesaving efforts before paramedics transported him to the hospital.
    Raphael Romero Ruiz, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
  • Tragically, the boy was found buried in the sand, unresponsive and showing no signs of life.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Anyone could be forgiven for not realizing this week’s slasher thriller, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr., is a brand-new movie, not a revival of the 1997 box-office hit which launched those two as stars and had exactly the same memorable title.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Biscayne National Park Visitors are often surprised to learn there’s a national park within eyeshot of downtown Miami’s skyscrapers.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Besides, the singer and songwriter has learned not to count out the impossible.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Friday, July 25 8 p.m. ET: Great White Reign of Terror - In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasn’t seen an attack in decades.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Pérez Art Museum Miami The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), located off Biscayne Boulevard, offers world-class exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and spaces for art, relaxation, and dining.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Outraged, Gauguin located an obscure French law that proved only children within a four-kilometre radius of a school were bound to attend.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • There are still multiple avenues to improving the team, but the James situation could have them on hold. Expect to continue hearing the Lakers in the NBA rumor mill.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • It's been 100 years, and echoes of the controversial Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted modern science against creationism, can still be heard around the world and seen in Dayton, TN, the heart of the trial.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • The four semifinalists were determined based on point differential with the Raptors (+15.8), Thunder (+14.8), Hornets (+12.7) and Kings (+11.5) finishing ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (+9.5) and Atlanta Hawks (+8.0).
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of his death.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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