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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 oaths
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
After new members took their oaths, Sneed invited the audience to stand and applaud out-going member Byers-Bailey, who has served on the board for 12 years.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 Dec. 2025
In September Congolese politicians swore oaths of fealty to President Tshisekedi, a ritual straight out of Mobutu's playbook.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025
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
After new members took their oaths, Sneed invited the audience to stand and applaud out-going member Byers-Bailey, who has served on the board for 12 years.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 Dec. 2025
In September Congolese politicians swore oaths of fealty to President Tshisekedi, a ritual straight out of Mobutu's playbook.
—Emmet Livingstone, NPR, 23 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oaths
Noun
-
The whisky priest, an alcoholic who has broken most of his vows, is the sole remaining active priest in the state.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Clay and Marc exchange touching, emotional vows, and Jason makes a nice speech.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stubborn Venus in your visible 10th house argues with intense Pluto in your 7th House of Alliances, spotlighting a tug-of-war between public praise and private promises.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
McCaughey is a Newsmax cable host who smiles big, talks fast and touts audacious promises — foremost among them, a vow to eliminate the income tax in Connecticut, an idea that was central to Republican Bob Stefanowski’s losing campaign for governor against Lamont in 2018.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some wrongly believe that lavish praise, golden mementos, and investment pledges are the required currency for any deal.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
-
This comes despite multiple sustainability pledges, including one to phase out on-site coal in manufacturing by 2030.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oaths.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oaths. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
