Synonym Chooser

How is the word avow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of avow are affirm, assert, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When might affirm be a better fit than avow?

The synonyms affirm and avow are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Where would assert be a reasonable alternative to avow?

Although the words assert and avow have much in common, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When would declare be a good substitute for avow?

In some situations, the words declare and avow are roughly equivalent. However, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When could protest be used to replace avow?

The words protest and avow can be used in similar contexts, but 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 avow Rather, Israel is fighting a war against a brutal enemy that seized hostages in a surprise massacre, cloaks itself among its civilian population, and avows the destruction of Israel as its inalterable goal. The Editors, National Review, 11 June 2025 The first trailer for the film that will premiere on Hulu/Disney+ on June 27 features testimonials from avowed superfan Paramore singer Hayley Williams, as well as Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and late producer/engineer Steve Albini. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 June 2025 One of her harshest critics on the left was Angela Davis, a Black militant and avowed Communist. Katharine Q. Seelye, New York Times, 26 May 2025 Jelly Roll has long been a loud, avowed Eminem fan. Brian McCollum, USA Today, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for avow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
Verb
  • Google, of course, insists the AI Overviews arrangement benefits everyone.
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Caracas insists the buildup is part of a broader campaign directed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Last week, Reuters reported that Pulte’s own father and stepmother had declared two homes in two different states as their primary residence, prompting a town in Michigan to remove a tax exemption for their home there and charge the couple for back taxes.
    Chris Prentice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The highest levels of malnutrition since the war began were reported this summer, and its largest city has been officially declared under famine by a panel of food-security experts.
    Pablo Robles, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • American officials have alleged that North Korea is engaged in a long-running effort to use cyberattacks, cryptocurrency theft and IT contractors to gather information on behalf of the government in Pyongyang.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Cox was also asked about a Sunday New York Times report that alleged Robinson had communicated with others on Discord after the shooting.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the interview with the Justice Department official, Maxwell continued to profess her innocence.
    John Parkinson, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The two consistently profess their neutrality on the war – while at the same time fueling it by providing financial lifelines to Russia.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Budapest, after the uprising against the Communist regime, Andor — raised by his mother with idealized tales of his dead father — has his world turned upside down when a brutish man appears, claiming to be his true father.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Roughly $140,000 is claimed to have been spent on this car’s restoration by the consignor prior to its 2019 sale.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Children want to change, as Adam Phillips asserts, but adults want to stay the same.
    Rachel Kushner, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Limit your interaction with them when possible and assert your boundaries firmly.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As a result, the state contends, its colleges lose out on tens of millions of dollars because of discriminatory requirements.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Entering play on Monday, here’s where every contending team stands with roughly 13 games to go.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These anchovies, Chris proclaimed, would be delicious simply turned out on a piece of toast.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For that matter, so is the beach around it, with signs proclaiming it private property.
    A.K. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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