assent 1 of 2

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
  • Likewise, endorsing the belief that a college degree is important for economic success is different than agreeing that the typical college curriculum equips students with essential job skills.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • On Friday, Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Emanuel Emegha from BlueCo sister club RC Strasbourg in a move that will be finalised in 2026.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Yet, the lesson of the Voting Rights Act is that the response to these setbacks isn’t despair or acquiescence.
    Time, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this revenge is the acquiescence of his support base and the GOP representatives to the raw hatred unleashed by our Emir of Evil.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Importantly, the governed have consented to being governed and to live by the laws of the land.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • However, Xiaopeng has noted that while the G7 already delivers the intelligence and processing required for L3 operation, it will only be considered a true Level 3 car once hardware redundancy is fully implemented and the vehicle receives the necessary regulatory approvals.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Their approval to compete this September generated significant uproar, with many alleging Angelina Melnikova’s participation, in particular, violates FIG rules.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Leaders have since reached an agreement to de-escalate tensions, temporarily lowering the duties to 30% on the United States’ side and 10% on China’s part.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2025
  • This agreement aims to bolster collaboration between the two nations' trillion-dollar tech sectors, enhancing opportunities for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 14 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 16 Sep. 2025.

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