assent 1 of 2

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

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
Petro finally assented, after several former Colombian Presidents offered to help smooth things over, and the relationship calmed down. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026 Key to the proposal, which is similar to one former President Joe Biden made more than a year ago, is Hamas assenting both to be disarmed and removed from governing Gaza. Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Once the bill has cleared all stages, it would then be sent to the monarch for royal assent before being passed on to each Commonwealth realm for approval. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 Thus, weighing the burdens and benefits of treatment is best undertaken by parents, with their child’s assent and guided by clinician expertise. Amy Caruso Brown, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • If emotions rise, pause and restate what’s been agreed on in simple terms.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • One of the suggestions was a shade of blonde that Hazelton agreed would work well.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But as the sexist and racist nature of the MAGA machine has gained mainstream acquiescence if not acceptance, the need to keep up the appearance of diversity is less and less.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Moss’ dour expression, over-relied upon for silent exposition throughout six seasons, conveys terror in the here and now, as well as for a future where fear is replaced by acquiescence.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Even if consumers previously consented to share their location data, the company says the privacy block feature prevents the sharing of health services locations.
    Angela Palermo April 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2026
  • User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • White House officials are confident Warsh ultimately will meet the approval of the committee, where Republicans hold a 12-10 advantage.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Perhaps more significantly, Graham King, the producer, needed approval for the music from the Jackson estate, effectively giving it veto power over the project.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His starting point was not optimism about the likelihood of human agreement but a sober recognition of its unlikelihood.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • While classes will remain in session, CPS reached an agreement last week to provide transportation to students who chose to participate in an afternoon rally, and to allow teachers to implement a curriculum on civic engagement.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Breece would not live and work in Provincetown because his acceptance letter arrived just a few days after his April 8th suicide in Virginia.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The original version of the bill also would have directed family court judges to consider a parent’s acceptance of a child’s gender identity when determining custody.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her perspective on cinema – both intellectual and visceral – has found further confirmation in the recent film The Bride!
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The law would also require providers to track and monitor felines that go through TNR, documenting the location and date they were trapped, the clinic used, vaccination and ear-tipping confirmation, as well as the date and location of release.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This project is designed as an affirmation at a time when the neighborhood is often reduced to headlines.
    Daily News, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • And Berryman’s script is chock full of sharp humor and gut-wrenching insights that had many women in the opening-night audience nodding frequently in affirmation.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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