as in vows
a person's solemn declaration that he or she will do or not do something
I need your oath that you won't do anything until I've had time to make a decision
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Recent Examples of oaths
The oaths that women swore in labor were concerned with this problem of parting one body from another.
—
Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
Incoming members of parliament are slated to take their oaths next month, and it is expected that Prime Minister-designate Peter Magyar will push for the legislature to address the anti-LGBT laws immediately.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026
But because the group’s rituals and oaths were shielded from public view and performed in clandestine sessions in Masonic temples, rumors spread about their activities.
—Derek Arnold, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Although required oaths—such as allegiance to the sovereign and canonical obedience—are taken at the earlier election and confirmation ceremonies, the installation service does include a number of formal declarations or reaffirmations connected to the archbishop’s ministry.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
The committee will likely conduct hearings and will have the authority to compel witness attendance, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
On 8th February, the Queen made her various oaths and declarations as a new monarch at St James's Palace.
—Hope Coke, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Their abuses have taken lives, traumatized communities, and undermined the work and reputations of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who continue to be guided by their oaths.
—Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
As outside forces, from fellow cops to cartel bosses, learn about the sizable stash, loyalties and oaths are called into question.
—Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
Incoming members of parliament are slated to take their oaths next month, and it is expected that Prime Minister-designate Peter Magyar will push for the legislature to address the anti-LGBT laws immediately.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026
But because the group’s rituals and oaths were shielded from public view and performed in clandestine sessions in Masonic temples, rumors spread about their activities.
—Derek Arnold, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Although required oaths—such as allegiance to the sovereign and canonical obedience—are taken at the earlier election and confirmation ceremonies, the installation service does include a number of formal declarations or reaffirmations connected to the archbishop’s ministry.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
The committee will likely conduct hearings and will have the authority to compel witness attendance, administer oaths, and issue subpoenas.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
On 8th February, the Queen made her various oaths and declarations as a new monarch at St James's Palace.
—Hope Coke, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Their abuses have taken lives, traumatized communities, and undermined the work and reputations of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who continue to be guided by their oaths.
—Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
As outside forces, from fellow cops to cartel bosses, learn about the sizable stash, loyalties and oaths are called into question.
—Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oaths
Noun
-
The bride and groom exchanged handwritten vows, making for an emotional moment.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
21 June 2026
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City leaders can draw outsized attention for their successes and failures, and democratic socialists will be under pressure from residents to deliver on their vows for a new kind of governance.—
Matt Brown,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
And yet, the fight on Juneteenth was perhaps a more truthful reminder of the way things were, and how contingent the promises of American freedom could be.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
-
Despite promises from the administration that anyone could apply to be eligible for the fund, multiple lawsuits quickly followed.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
But the campaign was much more than just pledges.—
Catherine Ellis,
Miami Herald,
22 June 2026
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Critics say Burnham’s politics are vague and fail to grapple with tough issues, such as where the money will come from to pay for his pledges.—
Jill Lawless,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oaths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oaths. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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