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

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

Who gets the money? Oct. 23, 2024 There is no such controversy surrounding the Freeman ball, which soared directly at Zachary Ruderman, whose avowed favorite player is Freeman and who keeps score at the frequent games his family attends. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024

There are avowed eyebrow experts on Telegram who are claiming that this is absolutely 100% not the same person. —Tim Marchman, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024

The lawsuit was first filed against the Eau Claire Area School District in 2022 by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and America First Legal — the organization started by Trump’s new deputy chief of staff for policy and avowed white nationalist Stephen Miller. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024