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assent

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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
But mayoral critics, progressive aldermen, transit activists and developers alike said the quiet assent belies the policy’s impact. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025 His chief obstacle may be politics, chiefly the state Legislature’s resistance to the many proposals that require its assent. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025
Noun
Putin did not agree to a full ceasefire, which Trump has proposed and which Ukraine had assented to earlier. Joshua Keating, Vox, 18 Mar. 2025 These agreements encourage assenting parties to perform due diligence, helping to identify potential gaps in the data protection chain. Chris Novak, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Later, Howard calls Matt and agrees to cut the sequence but also threatens to destroy him.
    Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • According to documents from the vote, PS agreed to a 20-year contract with the county.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This lack of callout could be construed as a form of acquiescence that the delusion is apt.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • In March, with Trump’s more or less full acquiescence, Netanyahu ended a ceasefire with Hamas that the U.S. had brokered in January.
    Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • This crisis has shown us which world leaders will not only consent to this genocide, but brutally discipline their populations for having the gall to question it.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • 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.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Certainly Thor is looking down with approval.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • That has allowed the city to put the new Clairemont plan on the fast track for approval, with committee and City Council public hearings scheduled for this fall.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Four years later, the country’s government reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund after changing the Bitcoin Law, making bitcoin acceptance voluntary instead of compulsory.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Some European leaders have suggested going as far as to send peacekeeping troops to enforce a post-war deterrence in Ukraine, while Russia wants a broader set of agreements that offer Moscow a greater say in the regional security landscape.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Concerns included graphic illustrations, discussion of drug or alcohol use and transgender acceptance.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Israel did not confirm its acceptance, and when the US has previously touted possible deals, Israeli leaders have publicly pledged to continue their assault.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Full confirmation will come as other astronomers make observations of the moon.
    Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Charlie Kirk, a far-right agitator and political activist, was shot and killed on Wednesday according to video of the incident and confirmation by Andrew Kolvet, Kirk’s spokesman.
    Mikelle Street, Them., 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Related Articles Along with the apparel drop, Mayfair U will launch a free digital resource hub with affirmations, mental health tools, peer mentorship and community-building spaces for students and athletes alike, per the brand.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Pep talks, affirmations or an arm around your shoulder are good medicine to co-exist with your under-estimator’s oppression.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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