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
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 Jordan’s king cannot assent to Mr. Trump’s plan without risking the ire of different important elements of his country’s population. Ephrat Livni, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
Between the lines: Omar could, in theory, force the vote on her own without the assent of Democratic or Republican leadership, through what is known as a privileged motion. Andrew Solender, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025 To be effective, the speech acts that bind us together or break us apart require the assent of our whole society. Melissa Ragain, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Russia and Ukraine agreed to a prisoner swap May 16 in Istanbul during their first in person talks in 3 years.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • New Jersey rail lines stood silent for a second day as union members and state officials agreed to keep hammering out a contract Sunday as the start of the work week loomed.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • If anything, acquiescence would create a further basis to claim that the university is not compliant, which risks even more encroachments on academic freedom.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Details of such bills are typically negotiated between the two parties, particularly because votes in the Senate require 60 votes to pass, effectively requiring acquiescence of the minority party.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • According to the agent, Jaime-Flores consented to a search of her mobile phone.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Even if the author’s family consented, Christie has not, and cannot, agree to the course.
    Amelia Nierenberg, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • It is now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
  • The committee cited the consistency of programs playing the same number of regular-season contests as FBS participants as a reason for the 12-game approval.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Also, Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of a nuclear agreement is likely to play into the bargaining on regional security issues involving the U.S., Iran and Israel.
    Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • The good news for borrowers, however, is that the AFT and the department reached an agreement in the AFT’s legal challenge for the department to provide concrete updates, in publicly available status reports filed with the court, on loan servicers’ progress in processing IDR applications.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • However, other traits like emotional acceptance or being highly goal-focused sometimes led to less supportive dynamics, suggesting that what’s adaptive for an individual may not always strengthen the relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • There were thanks for Lineker’s contributions from the BBC’s director general Tim Davie but also the acceptance that there could be no reconciliation this time.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Casey Means attends a confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Capitol.
    David Gilbert, Wired News, 9 May 2025
  • On April 30, the Senate committee that oversees NASA and other federal science agencies gave Isaacman its nod to advance to a formal confirmation vote in the full chamber.
    Leonard David, Scientific American, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • In one pilot hotel in Fort Lauderdale, a simple affirmation poster placed inside an elevator led to an unscripted guest reaction that struck a chord.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Oh and lots of affirmation of her value and your love and appreciation.
    Emily St. Martin, Oc Register, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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