protest 1 of 2

protest

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word protest distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of protest are affirm, assert, avow, and declare. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

When can affirm be used instead of protest?

The synonyms affirm and protest are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for protest?

While in some cases nearly identical to protest, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When is avow a more appropriate choice than protest?

The words avow and protest can be used in similar contexts, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When is it sensible to use declare instead of protest?

Although the words declare and protest have much in common, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

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 protest
Noun
For example, the anti-tourism protests in France make touristy areas particularly vulnerable. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 This ranges from political protests to sanctions to a genocide case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Verb
Inmates were allegedly held incommunicado and denied medical care, food and water — particularly after protesting prison conditions. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 Most people protesting the immigration enforcement nationwide have been peaceful, but — regrettably — not all. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
Noun
  • Reports have indicated that Punk had the option to turn down performing at the event but did not voice any objections.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • If leaders moved ahead without altering the provisions, the measures could be challenged, requiring a 60-vote threshold to overcome objections.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • In a parallel overreach—one that could bankrupt him—George insists on trying to build a cross-country railroad during an economic downturn.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Calderon maintained his innocence, insisting his positive result had been the result of cross-contamination.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Locals object to 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility Local advocates organized a protest against the detention site on June 22 for concerns about the impact on the surrounding environment and community, the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The House objected and removed the center from the bill.
    Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The Biden administration warned that would lead to a huge backlog of complaints and strain the government’s resources, should thousands of borrowers now have to present their cases in court, and would harm borrowers by forcing them to default on their loans in order to possibly get relief.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Officers responded to a burglary complaint about 7:30 a.m. Sunday, when employees at the city’s Parks and Recreation Department told cops someone was stuck in the chimney of a building in Rockwell Park, Bristol Police Lt. Desmond Wilson said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • More Associated Press, Getty Images Victims and their families allege that Palestinian operatives were either directly involved in or incited the attacks.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • More than a decade later, the case took stunning new turns, authorities alleging an elaborate scheme orchestrated from behind prison walls by the man convicted of killing him.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • His team-mates celebrated; the Boca players complained furiously, surrounding the referee and pointing at Marchesin.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Many have complained that American alternatives for some foreign imports may be unavailable or are too expensive.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Aside from the pandemic anomaly, the World Bank data also showed that only three exceptions to annual passenger growth occurred post-1980.
    Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Federal contractors and in some cases subcontractors are an exception, as are a handful of states.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the administration acted under the War Powers Act by notifying members of Congress after the strikes.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025
  • The Dreamers also claim their stadium would provide more event space.
    Kelly Martinez Semrad, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protest

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