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 Several Republican senators Tuesday, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), avowed that Russia is solely to blame for the conflict. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 26 Feb. 2025 But even for Ye, his abrupt public embrace of antisemitism and counterintuitive right-wing political rhetoric, resulting in his bringing avowed white nationalist Nick Fuentes to dine with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, has been disturbing. Aja Romano, Vox, 7 Feb. 2025 Meta may view the decision as an opportunity to jettison a policy targeted by conservatives and curry favor with Trump, while shifting the company toward a permissive stance on speech that Zuckerberg has previously avowed, the experts said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025 The choice reflects Francis’ avowed aim to give women greater leadership roles in the Roman Catholic Church. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for avow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
Verb
  • Some Justices insist on total secrecy from their clerks, including about even the fact of their having worked on particular cases.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
  • While working on the film, Lively insisted on rewriting the infamous rooftop scene.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Related article Kurdish separatist leader calls on followers to disarm, potentially ending a five-decade insurgency with Turkey In March, the PKK declared an immediate ceasefire after Ocalan called on fighters to lay down their arms and dissolve the group.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • During his first term in office, Trump often used Potemkin announcements to declare victory in the hopes no one would follow up on the tangibles.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Brown was previously sued by music producer Abe Diaw, who alleged Brown smashed a tequila bottle over his head and stomped on him at the Tape nightclub in Hanover Square in February 2023, which led to hospitalization.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • The Department of Justice in Maine filed a lawsuit alleging the state’s Department of Education is out of compliance with Title IX.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The actress, producer, and fashion icon posted an Instagram video on May 19, 2025, professing her love for the makeup essential.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 May 2025
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation Foundation Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation $49 Nordstrom Readers have once again professed their love for the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Foundation, a rare full-coverage formula that doesn't smother the skin and crack up by midday.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • But McLaughlin claimed that a Dallas Police detective inadvertently attached the wrong photo to the entry.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Some of them have already been effectively dismantled by DOGE, like the U.S. Institute of Peace, the site of a dramatic daylong standoff between USIP staffers and representatives of the cost-cutting initiative claiming to be new leadership.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • In response, two of Trump's senior officials made statements asserting that the message was a threat toward the president.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Inspired by classic boom-bap production, lyrically, the track sees Young assert her agency in the bedroom with a new flame.
    Sophie Williams, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In Piranha Plant Nap Mishap there are multiple alarm clocks with which to contend.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde Saturday after the team’s slow start to the 2025 season after contending for the American League East title last season.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, all 2025 mayoral candidates, former police commissioners, district attorneys, and public officials must proclaim that NYC should not obey the egregious orders.
    Arnold Kriss, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
  • Notably, an anonymous poll of his NBA peers by Sam Amick and Josh Robbins of The Athletic proclaimed the 6-foot-5 Iowa State product to be the league's most overrated player.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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