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profess

verb

prə-ˈfes How to pronounce profess (audio)
Definition of professnext
1
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of professed friendship while secretly plotting revenge

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2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly the lonely woman professed her love in a series of letters to the soldier

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully he professed his innocence to anyone who would listen

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 profess After this experience, China strengthened its public health capacity and professed a new openness to reporting of potential epidemics. — David J. Hunter, STAT, 7 Aug. 2026 For graduates pessimistic about AI’s implications for the labor market, claims professing its value feel inauthentic. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 Bruce, 76, professed his love for Patti, 72, at the June 6 dedication of the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on the campus of Monmouth University in Long Branch. — Chris Jordan, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 By invoking it, witnesses are not acknowledging any criminal liability at all, and many people who profess their absolute innocence choose to exercise their right to remain silent. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for profess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profess
  1. pretend
  2. declare
  3. insist
  4. assume
  5. assert
  6. allege
  7. simulate
  8. proclaim
Verb
  • The surviving witness fell to the floor, pretending to be dead, and called 911 once Lee left the store.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Members of these networks share detailed guides on how to identify vulnerable girls online and groom them by pretending to have a romantic interest or be a supportive friend.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • As Sullivan declared the mistrial, another female juror closed her eyes, nodded slowly and bowed her head.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Eight years, 29 medications and 40 doctors later, his illness was declared treatment-resistant.
    — Kelly Rogers Victor, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of declare
Verb
  • The Dangote Refinery has often insisted that its fully operational 700,000 barrels-a-day plant can fulfill this demand.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Prevailing xenophobic notions of the time would have insisted on Bridget’s culpability, particularly when Irish women were seen as more likely to be able to swing an ax than leisurely ladies like Lizzie.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • On the other hand, some royal enthusiasts believe Meghan won’t be as reckless as people assume.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than assuming one is more affordable or comprehensive than the other, compare the specific coverages, exclusions, deductibles, premiums and repair-shop requirements between any two plans.
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of assume
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Zuckerberg echoed Huang's stance in a post on X, asserting that an industry-wide emergency brake is unnecessary and that third-party evaluations represent the optimal path forward.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In the agreement, Kohberger also waived his ability to appeal, though defendants always retain the right to later assert ineffective assistance of counsel and pursue post-conviction relief in court.
    — Kevin Fixler September 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of assert
Verb
  • In February, the village filed suit against Fifth Third Bank seeking $2 million that officials allege the institution improperly paid out in fraudulent checks signed by Henyard.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The case alleges that Princewill Umanmielen (edge rusher) owes the school $550,000 and Devin Harper (offensive lineman) owes Ole Miss $400,000.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of allege
Verb
  • Carlson said its lights can be illuminated so students can simulate the removal of a patient from the vehicle and begin to handle the situation.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Riders will board what the park is referring to ‘hoverbikes,’ essentially bike vehicles designed to simulate a flying sensation by being suspended from the track.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • Sher did fall short of convincing Deukmejian to sign one of his bills — a whimsical measure inspired by a Camp Fire girls and boys troop to proclaim the banana slug to be the official state mollusk.
    — Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The city first proclaimed the day in 2021 to recognize the rapper's community service, music career and efforts to set a positive example for young people.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of proclaim

Browse Nearby Words

profanity
profess
professed
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Cite this Entry

“Profess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profess. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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