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 Tens of thousands of the faithful joined curious tourists to gather on the square to hear the words of the first American pope, a Chicago native, avowed White Sox fan − and longtime Francis confidant. John Bacon, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Jelly Roll has long been a loud, avowed Eminem fan. Brian McCollum, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Nigel and Isaac had post-Revolutionary War love They were avowed enemies of war: American Revolutionary War veteran Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones) and British officer Nigel Chessum (John Hartman) found unlikely love in Season 2. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Jennifer Lawrence, Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are all avowed Doona-heads. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for avow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
Verb
  • Now Bondi and Patel insist that there's nothing there.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • The child is nudged forward by an ambitious parent, by an influential teacher, or simply by a curiosity that, like water, insists on finding its way in and out.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Clovis, a journalist, opposed the megalomaniacal ambitions of President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, who would soon declare himself Emperor Napoleon III.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
  • In 2000, the CDC declared that measles had been eliminated.
    Brayden Garcia July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Education and politics: Arizonans on student loan repayment plans can expect big changes under Big Beautiful Bill The lawsuit alleges Trump overstepped his authority in withholding funds that were approved by Congress, among other arguments.
    Stacey Barchenger, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • In 2019, Ri sued her dad and his business partner, Moses Perkins, for starting a company called Fenty Entertainment, alleging that the men were attempting to profit off of her name and misleading investors about her involvement.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Both babyfaces loudly professed their respect for one another before throwing hands again.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In a separate tribute to his wife of nearly 11 years, the musician further professed his love for Tisdale.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Across town at her front door, witness Lora Hampton, 60, who escaped the bullets that claimed West and Smith in the parking lot that night, had little sympathy for him.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Beyoncé has now claimed dozens of wins on the roster throughout her career.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Brown denies the allegations, and her attorney asserts her innocence, while the city seeks restitution and damages.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • In previous filings, Stone contended that forensic evidence would show that whoever shot Reuter was much taller than Yang.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • He was expected to contend for the team's lead running back role with the departure of veteran Nick Chubb.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • After the MacArthur Park action, Trump’s disciples proclaimed victory.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • Though that seems quite compelling, the other side of the coin proclaims that freedom of speech surpasses any of those argued downsides.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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