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Synonym Chooser

How is the word assert distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When could affirm be used to replace assert?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When might avow be a better fit than assert?

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

In what contexts can declare take the place of assert?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of assert?

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

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 assert To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2025 Dozens of filmmakers signed a petition decrying Mubi’s investment from Sequoia, leading to owner Efe Cakarel having to defend the company and assert an anti-war position. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 In that testimony, Baccarelli asserted that taking the drug during pregnancy was not just linked to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism but probably caused them. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 Fletcher emphasized that withholding aid from civilians should never be a bargaining tool, asserting that ensuring its entry is a legal obligation. Callum Sutherland, Time, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assert
Verb
  • One was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was declared deceased after being taken to a local hospital, per the outlets.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In 1993 it was declared a historic landmark by the City and County of Denver’s Preservation Commission, which has helped anchor it to Grant Street even as other historic buildings have fallen around it, some replaced with apartment high-rises.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In fact, little of that story line, Androsoff argues, is backed up by historical evidence.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
  • At the time, Cortese argued the tax was needed to address significant and growing budget challenges.
    Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Daniels insisted the impact of the shutdown on air traffic controllers was not just insular and would continue to impact the aviation sector and broader American economy.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • But the question, as Stephanopoulos kept insisting, was not about whether this rose to the level of criminality.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The couple has publicly refuted those claims, affirming the authenticity of their partnership.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Krenwinkel’s challenge to that reversal was denied by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January 2024, and the ruling was later affirmed on appeal.
    Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The association also contends 23XI and Front Row appear to want permanent charters, akin to acquiring equity in an NBA or NFL franchise.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The analyst contends that AT&T’s broadband opportunity remains an under-appreciated component of the company’s annual financial growth prospects.
    , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the memoir, Federline claimed that he was awarded $20,000 per month in child support for their two sons.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Could the novel claim the title of the first Canadian novel when Canada wasn’t even Canada yet?
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2021, then-President Joe Biden proclaimed that Indigenous Peoples Day would be celebrated on the second Monday in October, though the holiday was never officially changed.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Many pundits mistakenly proclaimed the direct-to-consumer option would only benefit the uninsured and not help the majority of Americans who have private insurance coverage with prescription drug coverage.
    Bobby Jindal, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Whether giving many people a lot of false beliefs is harmless depends of course on the content of the beliefs and the more general impact on people’s ability to reason about matters that can impact their wellbeing.
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
  • If Newman couldn’t have killed Scott, the police reasoned, perhaps his brother had.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assert. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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