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 Those images are instantaneously analyzed by a computer system, which ascertains the species, size and other characteristics of each animal. New Atlas, 12 May 2025 Reuters could not ascertain the owner of this wallet. Trump's Stablecoin Chosen For $2 Billion Abu Dhabi Investment In Binance, Co-Founder Says Thursday,, USA Today, 1 May 2025 Amateur additions, or those pros who sign from European leagues each summer, are not well known to fans, but scouting reports help in ascertaining what the new GM is looking to add to the roster. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 On Friday, Trump himself was asked for help in ascertaining what the files contain and whether there are any bombshells. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Egyptian archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • First discovered: 12:10 p.m. May 27 Initial location: San Diego County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Pine A new wildfire was reported today at 12:10 p.m. in San Diego County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • More information can be found online at pnw.edu/leadership-institute or by reaching out to the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@pnw.edu.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Ellie fires and kills him, and Mel is shot in the neck in the crossfire — at which point, Ellie realizes Mel is pregnant.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 May 2025
  • But maybe if the Sun Sentinel published a game story once in awhile, the people of South Florida would realize that Miami actually has a big-league team.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • During a March appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Jelly revealed what he's learned after being married to Bunnie for eight years.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The seashore added that those who see wildlife in need of help can call its hotline at (252) 216-6892.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The theater and facilities are located at Inspiration Point northwest of Eureka Springs on US Highway 62.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Find the Big Dipper's pointer stars − located on the outer edge of the ladle.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
  • But then the government appealed, and a three judge panel of the Ninth Circuit heard arguments in April.
    Quil Lawrence, NPR, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • While the results of the analyses will help determine the truth of Fourmanoir’s claims, one other possibility remains: The portrait could be a collaborative work by both Gauguin and Ky-Dong.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • The outlet added that a motive has yet to be determined by police.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ascertain

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