PROFESS Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

profess

verb

prə-ˈfes

Definition of profess

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of professed friendship while secretly plotting revenge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully he professed his innocence to anyone who would listen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The exhibit, which professes to illustrate storytelling through art in its earliest manifestations, is a jarring introduction to a museum that houses 1,300 original works. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 El-Sayed and Piker have professed their abhorrence of anti-Semitism. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 There certainly may be a kernel of truth to Musk’s professed safety concerns, but plowing through bollards that are explitly designed to protect pedestrians from rogue drivers isn’t helping his case. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for profess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profess

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

If the issues being talked about weren’t so serious, declaring that machines are now smarter than humans, given this glaring gap between AI agents and their principals, would be a fun keynote for the next AI summit.

— Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Revived fighting shattered a 2022 ceasefire as Houthis strike Saudi cities, oil facilities and shipping, declare a blockade and claim growing power.

— Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 20 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 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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Style

“Profess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profess. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of profess

verb

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