Synonyms of profess

profess

verb

prə-ˈfes 

1

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of

professed friendship while secretly plotting revenge

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pretend
• assume
• simulate
• feign
• act
• affect
• pass (for)
• dissemble
• make believe
• put on
• conceal
• pose
• bluff
• fake
• counterfeit
• forge
• imitate
• sham
• play
• impersonate
• let on
• dissimulate
• masquerade
• disguise
• playact
• camouflage
• mask
• malinger
• feint

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

• declare
• assert
• proclaim
• affirm
• say
• announce
• avow
• explain
• aver
• guarantee
• defend
• justify
• lay down
• promote
• pronounce
• advertise
• avouch
• uphold
• convince
• assure
• emphasize
• advocate
• espouse
• publicize
• persuade
• underline
• advance
• accent
• underscore
• stress
• reaffirm
• support
• call
• plug
• boost
• accentuate
• rationalize
• reassert
• blaze
• champion

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• ignore
• disregard
• understate
• neglect
• overlook

3

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully

he professed his innocence to anyone who would listen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insist
• allege
• claim
• assert
• maintain
• contend
• declare
• affirm
• proclaim
• purport
• announce
• argue
• avow
• aver
• protest
• confirm
• put forth
• defend
• warrant
• reason
• avouch
• justify
• vindicate
• rationalize
• uphold
• broadcast
• reaffirm
• persevere
• reassert
• support

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• abandon
• reject
• repudiate
• disclaim
• gainsay
• negate
• negative
• challenge
• question
• refute
• contradict
• disavow
• dispute
• disprove
• rebut
• disown
• counter
• confute

Example Sentences

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