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
Many nations joined the chorus, chanting day after day, indicating their assent. Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 To initiate any medical care, consent from the parent and assent from the patient is required. Susan Radzilowski, The Conversation, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Both sides agreed to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program under the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in June but later fell apart.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • Last year, the Pentagon attempted to impose major restrictions on journalists working inside the Pentagon, which, in turn, led most news outlets to turn in their access badges and walk out rather than agree to the new rules.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Less money coming into government coffers also means fewer goodies for the population of Moscow, whose acquiescence Putin desperately needs.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • It’s sourced mostly from my open records requests, plus one video that was shared with me by a parent who consented to its publication.
    Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 24 July 2026
  • There are conceivable uses that might seem entertaining or harmless, such as interacting with a consenting celebrity or a recreation of a historical figure.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • With the Planning Commission’s approval of the design review, the project can move forward through the city’s remaining permitting process before construction begins.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
  • The project will go to the Oceanside Planning Commission for approval later this year, City Planner Oscar Romero said in an email Tuesday.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • AlignSphere Ventures is asking the city for a conditional-use permit to build the hospital, as well as a development-agreement modification and a preliminary plat.
    Rose Evans July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • Growing societal acceptance of and support for working mothers is part of that change, as is an NWSL collective-bargaining agreement featuring protections and provisions for mothers and childcare.
    PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, brands are recognizing the impact creators can have on the acceptance and use of their products and services, but they are being forced to rethink whether one-off influencer campaigns are enough for the next phase of growth.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Growing societal acceptance of and support for working mothers is part of that change, as is an NWSL collective-bargaining agreement featuring protections and provisions for mothers and childcare.
    PJ Green July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • While there is no official confirmation that a herd of sheep will graze along the course, which is apparently a longtime tradition on rural courses in Ireland, Duff’s has hinted at the possibility.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • There’s been no confirmation of this, but just the suggestion is enough for people online, as always.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Each morning before Grays drops her now 2-year-old daughter off at daycare, the two share a ritual of positive affirmations.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • She's also curated large-scale art pieces such as two 30-foot Black portraits in 2022 and a model barbershop in 2024, complete with affirmation stations and healing circles for men.
    Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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