avowal

noun

ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce avowal (audio)
Definition of avowalnext
1
as in declaration
a solemn and often public declaration of the truth or existence of something with jingoism rampant, the peace candidate felt compelled to make an avowal of his patriotism

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2
as in admission
an open declaration of something (as a fault or the commission of an offense) about oneself her own avowal that she was to blame for the accident

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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 avowal Their jobs—which may involve stabbing, shooting, or strangling, as well as betrayals and avowals of loyalty, and locking bodies in car trunks for later disposal—may be slightly stressful at times, but the effects are temporary. — Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 30 July 2024 What’s worth bearing in mind is that an avowal of love can have meanings beyond its words. — Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024 One element that distinguishes the Protestant tradition from the other Abrahamic religions is its emphasis on public avowal. — Ian Buruma, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023 Did the secret of this avowal loiter in the breast of a consecrated virgin? — Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for avowal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avowal
  1. declaration
  2. admission
  3. assertion
  4. confession
  5. insistence
  6. acknowledgment
Noun
  • Following the mistrial declaration, some legal experts suggested that the prosecution aimed too high in charging Clancy with first-degree murder, noting a lower charge, such as second-degree murder or manslaughter, might have won over the jury.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
  • And today, one morning of high anticipation as Judge William Sullivan moved toward a mistrial declaration, then allowed Lindsay Clancy’s attorney one hour to file a last-ditch appeal request.
    — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of declaration
Noun
  • Casting Johnson was, by Gyllenhaal’s own admission, a provocation.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The recent grad floated slightly looser admissions standards for football as a possible solution.
    — Jesse Dougherty, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of admission
Noun
  • Despite Bonta’s assertion Wednesday that the states made no compromises, the agreement drops a key demand that children be barred from using Facebook and Instagram at school.
    — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • They were all also alleged to have been prostitutes, though recent scholarship has challenged that assertion.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of assertion
Noun
  • Hossain makes a surprising confession when asked whether the animals are real or psychological.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In her first solo show, artist Neveah Marquez, known as Perry Picasshoe, explores the concept of sanctity through vulnerable self-portraits and a confession booth that reveals guests’ secrets.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of confession
Noun
  • Despite Bret’s passionate insistence that his classmate is a serial killer, Croft tells him Robert is a good kid from a good family and sends him back to class.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The right-wing theological website Protestia has attacked Hamilton for not heeding Paul’s insistence that women stay silent in church.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of insistence
Noun
  • These cues feel less like hand-holding for the audience and more of an acknowledgement of the artistry of whoever’s imagination and vulnerability lights up the screen.
    — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There is an acknowledgement internally that signing Johnson in January was a costly mistake which hampered them in this window.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of acknowledgment

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Cite this Entry

“Avowal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avowal. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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