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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  • In Mozart’s original, two Italian soldiers decide to test their lovers’ fidelity by pretending to head off to war.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Respondents questioned Dave Aranda’s roster construction, the program’s lack of identity and why everybody is pretending this isn’t a lame-duck season.
    — Manny Navarro, New York Times, 3 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 ruling insisted the defendants were not being tried because of their political views.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026
  • In 2006, Wales insisted that their national anthem, ‘Land of Our Fathers’, should be the last thing performed before the game in Cardiff began.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 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
  • After going behind early to a Kai Havertz goal, PSG had to remain patient, before gradually asserting their authority in the contest.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Thus Irving manages to have his cake and eat it too, by insisting on the tale’s authenticity while asserting his own skepticism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of assert
Verb
  • Additionally, the party alleged Tupone ran as a Green candidate to siphon votes from Brooks.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Lyft also doesn’t fingerprint its drivers unless required by law and doesn’t provide adequate background checks, the lawsuit alleged.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of allege
Verb
  • By simulating various turbine types against actual site conditions, HydroGenerate accounts for seasonal flow changes and existing structural limits.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Okereke had been working out on his own in New Jersey, trying to simulate what a training camp looks like.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • In 1765 Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia, began drafting the Nakaz, or constitution, to proclaim her sovereignty and guarantee her subjects liberty and equality.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • With no disrespect to Stafford, who has had a very good career, this is a bit like a former Linkin Park roadie proclaiming that if the band were to come out with another hit album, they’d be considered one of the five best.
    — Michael Silver, New York Times, 10 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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