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
  • Troost-Ekong Pushes Back Against Doubters Visionhaus/Getty Images Captain William Troost-Ekong drew on Nigeria’s history while insisting this is a fresh challenge.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In the lead-up to this revenge match, Rodgers insisted that this was Week 1, and only Week 1.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Close relatives of the federal official who has accused a Federal Reserve governor of improperly claiming primary residence on two properties have declared the same status on two homes in two different states, public records show.
    Marisa Taylor, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • He was declared dead at the scene, according to Capt.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • During his time on the run, Tom is alleged to have committed a series of crimes, including a robbery in the Waikato region, according to New Zealand police.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Bundy family’s statement noted this and said their destination was not clandestine, as the FBI document alleged.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Clearly working to keep his emotions checked, Adam professed faith the Padres would go on just fine without him.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In some states where there is no anonymity for individual winners, people can still claim prizes anonymously through private trusts.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Real estate experts say claiming primary residences on different mortgages at the same time is often legal and rarely prosecuted.
    Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Wall asserts that on Etsy, customers often expect prices in the $20-30 range, leaving you with maybe five dollars in profit.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers went into Sunday having lost seven of their last eight games against non-contending teams.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on avow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!