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
Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets in protest, but they were quashed by the government, and Machado went into hiding in August 2024 after threats to her life. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025 The suit also claims the tactics infringed journalists’ right to cover the protests. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
For months, employees have protested the company’s cloud business from the Israeli military. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 On Wednesday night, hundreds of people marched in downtown Chicago to protest the deployment of the troops and the presence of ICE. Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Hogsett promoted Andrews to director of DMD over the objections of the city's HR director.
    Tony Cook, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Attorneys for Lyle and the family filed a formal objection to the further release of audio, but the parole board denied the request, explaining the recordings were public records.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the industry is bracing for an EV sales slump, GM's leaders insist that investing deeply and early in a broad range of electric offerings was not a mistake.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Republican speaker insists his party has been willing to discuss the health care issue with Democrats this fall, before the subsidies expire at the end of the year.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The iPhone also has the ability to decipher what objects, people or pets are in photographs taken by users.
    Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
  • To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The report was released as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received record high numbers of complaints about auto loans.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The complaint cites just three examples of transgender athletes on girls’ teams in Maine, including the pole-vaulter.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • State and local officials are investigating a Seattle-area corrections department after a whistleblower alleged the county was hiring unqualified immigrants as guards, according to a complaint filed with Washington state authorities.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The precise fraud alleged, however, was a surprise.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some Russians already have complained about Max’s functionality (and mocked VK’s semi-cheesy, semi-effective enlistment of rappers, comedians, and influencers to promote it).
    Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t-complain, just-eat-your-meal type people.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As a general rule, Humbert thinks devices don’t belong on restaurant tables, with exceptions for business meetings and solo meals.
    Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Those exceptions include true threats, defamation, harassment and obscenities.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Click on any of the links in this post to claim your seats now.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • After the fireworks exploded, after Orion Kerkering bent to his knees in despair, after the Los Angeles Dodgers mobbed the field and claimed the National League Division Series with a 2-1 walk-off win in Game 4, the Phillies processed it all in the Dodger Stadium visitors clubhouse.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on protest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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