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
The next step is the report stage, then the third reading of the bill in the House of Commons, before moving to a final consideration of amendments and royal assent. Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025 The president’s decision to involve the Guard without seeking the governor’s assent was a new, but not unanticipated front in his immigration crackdown. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 9 June 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
  • Catrina’s Cafe and Cantina could be open as soon as late October or early November, pending liquor license approval.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Several members scoffed at the approval and shouted down the commissioners.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Yost, in his opinion, said county commissioners are allowed to enter into agreements with federal immigration authorities.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025
  • And announcements of investment agreements have already proven questionable.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Like the Oomy Zens, these sandals have the APMA's seal of acceptance too.
    Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Passport cards cost $30 (plus a $35 acceptance fee for first-timers).
    Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The legislation would terminate the current attorney general’s term on the day the bill is signed into law, and his successor would not need Senate confirmation.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During his confirmation hearing for labor secretary, Acosta had said based on the evidence, his office decided a plea that guarantees someone goes to jail is a good thing.
    Randi Kaye, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • By aggregating the right data features and triangulating multiple points of affirmation, situational certainty grows strong, enabling confident real-time actions that drive business outcomes.
    Bill Waid, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Spiritual practices, such as affirmations and manifestations, are commonly incorporated into wellness influencer’s approach to achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle.
    Taylor Crumpton, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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