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
China has built Russia’s defense industrial base, helped Iran provide Russia with one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, and assented as North Korea has sent troops to fight in Europe. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025 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
Noun
But in 2024, a state commission backed the road, with the assent of Osceola and over the objections of Orange and many members of the local environmental community. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026 The deal also remains subject to regulatory approvals, as well as the assent of WBD shareholders. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • The Rams gave safety Quentin Lake an extension in January, traded for McDuffie and agreed to terms with safety Kam Curl on an extension.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • According to court documents obtained by People, both Kidman and Urban agreed to waive all child and spousal support rights.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And acquiescence can be contagious.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Even if clemency led the White House to dial back the ongoing efforts to punish Colorado, acquiescence today only invites future harassment.
    Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including those from the Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military from outside the building.
    Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including from The Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military from outside the building.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Months later, the city Housing Department awarded the contract to Legal Aid and the other organizations before sending it to the City Council for approval.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • That deal remains subject to various regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Israeli government, said Glickman in a statement.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The agreement is for the company to pay either the minimum rent for the space at the airport, or 25% of yearly revenue, whichever is more.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Among Hasner’s early acts was his choice to sign a 287(g) agreement, forcing FAU’s police department to train and collaborate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
    Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Español is having a lot more visibility and acceptance nationwide.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The key message is the importance of acceptance.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Thursday’s release marks the first public disclosure and documented confirmation of a Federal Bureau of Investigation probe that has roiled Kansas City politics over the last month.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
  • That confirmation has not yet been given.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The 2026 championship is more of an affirmation, a continuation of what the Bruins have done all season en route to an undefeated Big Ten regular season and a school-record 25-game winning streak.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The report lamented this deviation from its historical use as a hopeful, sacred affirmation with biblical roots.
    Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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