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 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 Although Wilde professed to love the script, Araki wanted to be clear on what the role required. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 Heidi Klum has long professed her preference for her birthday suit over any other type of attire. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for profess

Recent Examples of Synonyms for profess

Verb

The two are only able to unlock a new understanding of each other by pretending to be strangers meeting for the first time.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
One, a 35-year-old man, pretended to be a San Francisco 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor, the Department of Justice said.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of pretend

Verb

The settlements eventually formed the Republic of Liberia, which declared independence in 1847.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
By 2023, the World Health Organization declared that loneliness was an international health concern and launched a commission to strengthen social connection.

— Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of declare

Verb

The secretary insisted he is focused on leading the War Department.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
Alongside workers’ rights organization Arise Chicago and community organizing group Communities United, workers are now stepping forward to insist that the business give them their due — in full.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of insist

Verb

Taylor has quickly assumed a leadership role, with her coach using her as an example of expectations.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Most of the people who are found dead there every year are assumed to be migrants, Hess says, because of the desert’s location on the southern border.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of assume

Verb

Bates declared the platform the Principality of Sealand and asserted its sovereignty as a micronation distinct from Great Britain.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Rather than simply asserting that demand is durable, Kress argued that Nvidia’s growth is increasingly diversified beyond hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of assert

Verb

Three winemakers earlier this month filed suit against the owner of Hundred Acre Wines, Jayson Woodbridge, and his company alleging that smoke from the wildfire ruined their harvests, the Press Democrat reported.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
In the indictment, prosecutors allege John-Paul posted a nude photo of Mica online, had tracking devices placed on her vehicle, contacted her more than 50 times in one day, and interfered with her finances.

— Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of allege

Verb

Historians say the horns may have been blown to scare evil spirits, to proclaim victories, or as a way to encourage divine mercy.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
The right of women to the ballot was formally made a part of the constitution of the United States today when Secretary of State Colby proclaimed ratification of the nineteenth amendment.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of profess

verb

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