Definition of assentnext

assent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assent distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assent are accede, acquiesce, agree, consent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When might accede be a better fit than assent?

The meanings of accede and assent largely overlap; however, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When is acquiesce a more appropriate choice than assent?

While in some cases nearly identical to assent, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

When would agree be a good substitute for assent?

The synonyms agree and assent are sometimes interchangeable, but agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

In what contexts can consent take the place of assent?

In some situations, the words consent and assent are roughly equivalent. However, consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When can subscribe be used instead of assent?

While the synonyms subscribe and assent are close in meaning, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

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 assent
Verb
Her mother reluctantly assented, so long as Carol went with her. Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Switzerland voted to enshrine the availability of cash in its constitution, assenting to a push designed to guard against the demise of physical money. Bastian Benrath-Wright, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
George’s job was to assent to the policies passed by Parliament. Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 George's job was to assent to the policies passed by Parliament. ABC News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Beth Arbuckle and Wells Fargo agreed to dismiss the December 2024 case filed in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina, according to a joint stipulation filed Friday.
    Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • The Sunrise Mall redevelopment project saw a mark of progress this week, when a group planning to build a youth sports complex agreed to take on 13 acres of the mall property, the city of Citrus Heights said Wednesday.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • With Taiwan’s 2028 elections approaching, sustained American support strengthens voices favoring self-defense over acquiescence to Beijing.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In any case, the Biden Administration’s grudging acquiescence now looks like the beginning of a pattern of credulous capitulation.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Young people who want access to algorithmic feeds or nighttime notifications have to consent to their parent or legal guardian being notified.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • California is an all-party consent state, meaning that all people involved in a private conversation must consent to being audio recorded.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Community colleges that want to offer non-credit classes are able to move especially fast, because the approval process is less cumbersome.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Government support can improve access to financing and, of course, accelerate approvals, which will give customers greater confidence that nuclear power will remain part of long-term energy policy.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The militant group Hamas has reached an agreement with the Board of Peace – tasked with implementing a long term ceasefire plan in Gaza – to relinquish its weapons, a senior official told CNN on Friday.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Jennings says, in situations like this, the two parties usually come to an agreement, but this should be a lesson.
    Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Participants agree to release and hold harmless Company, the Podcast and Podcast hosts from any claims arising out of participation in the Competition or the acceptance or use of any prize.
    The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Examples, from vaccine acceptance to accessibility features, demonstrate how identity and practical needs serve as essential filters.
    Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • State law prohibits the disclosure or confirmation of such information.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • There has, of course, been no confirmation one way or another, but the internet doesn’t require confirmation.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Cultural affirmation and high expectations aren't opposing ideas.
    Tee Wilson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Mornings at the camp are dedicated to light exercise, camp songs, positive affirmations and a gentle initiation into meditation.
    Savita Patel, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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