Synonyms of avow

avow

verb

ə-ˈvau̇ 

1

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully

avowed that the colonization of Mars in our lifetime is not only possible but probable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insist
• allege
• claim
• assert
• declare
• contend
• affirm
• maintain
• profess
• proclaim
• announce
• aver
• argue
• purport
• protest
• avouch
• confirm
• put forth
• defend
• warrant
• reason
• justify
• vindicate
• rationalize
• broadcast
• reaffirm
• uphold
• persevere
• reassert
• support

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• abandon
• reject
• repudiate
• gainsay
• disclaim
• negative
• negate
• challenge
• question
• disavow
• dispute
• refute
• disprove
• rebut
• disown
• contradict
• counter
• confute

2

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly

avowed their undying love for each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

• declare
• profess
• assert
• proclaim
• affirm
• announce
• say
• aver
• guarantee
• explain
• avouch
• lay down
• justify
• defend
• promote
• pronounce
• advertise
• uphold
• assure
• emphasize
• publicize
• convince
• advocate
• underline
• persuade
• accent
• advance
• espouse
• underscore
• stress
• plug
• reaffirm
• accentuate
• call
• rationalize
• boost
• reassert
• support
• blaze
• champion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• ignore
• disregard
• understate
• overlook
• neglect

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

Recent Examples of avow

That Cody Balmer avowed the Palestinian cause in his call to 911, despite no prior connection to it, fits the general pattern, since that’s what was flitting across his screens. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

The Mexican star and avowed face of the franchise was not among the 11 starters or the nine players suited up on the bench, a further indication that the rift with coach Mikey Varas has not been fully mended. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Oct. 2025

Newsom and Pritzker are considered avowed progressive Democrats. —Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025

In fact, the last time a candidate who was neither a Republican nor a Democrat won national electoral votes was 1968, and that was avowed segregationist George Wallace. —Philip Elliott, Time, 7 July 2025