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
According to local outlet Mission Local, the protest was in response to the detainment of a specific migrant, but further details of the case have not been made public. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 The state, meanwhile, is suing the administration over its deployment of the National Guard to immigration protests in Los Angeles over the objections of the governor. Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
During the raid, crowds of people gathered outside Glass House Farms in Camarillo to seek information about their relatives and protest immigration enforcement. CBS News, 11 July 2025 The good news is tens of millions of people were out in the streets protesting it. Gary Graff, Billboard, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
Noun
  • His objection automatically ended debate, per Council rules, and led Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who spoke favorably of the resolution, to send it to the Committee on Civil Rights, Immigrant Advancement and Racial Equity.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Combs' legal team proposed probation officials provide a pre-sentence investigation report by August 29, with objections filed by his attorneys by September 5.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Now Bondi and Patel insist that there's nothing there.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
  • Tesla insists its cars are safe as long as drivers remain attentive.
    Joel Rose, NPR, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The village of Homer Glen objected to the Lockport Township proposal; Crete Township voiced concerns over the solar farm proposed in its community and 10 agencies, including Shorewood, the Troy Fire Protection District and various school districts, objected to the solar projects for Troy Township.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • The vote, early Thursday morning, was passed 51 to 48 following 12 hours of amendment votes, despite two Republicans objecting to the surrender of congressional control over federal funding.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • By July, the department had dismissed thousands of these complaints, raising concerns about whether each case was being dutifully considered.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Building inspector Major construction work continues at the U.S. Federal Reserve building as U.S. President Donald Trump voices complaints about Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 14, 2025.
    Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump also defended Bondi in a Truth Social post over the weekend and urged his followers to move on from Epstein, alleging the files were manufactured by Democrats.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In 2019, Ri sued her dad and his business partner, Moses Perkins, for starting a company called Fenty Entertainment, alleging that the men were attempting to profit off of her name and misleading investors about her involvement.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Trump has complained about the EU's $231 billion trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more goods from European businesses than the other way around.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Assets left running for legitimate business reasons can be tagged with exception authorizations.
    Bojan Ilic, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • So far in Boulder, immigration authorities have largely complied with writs to produce defendants for state court hearings with just a handful of exceptions, said Michael Dougherty, the Boulder County district attorney.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Across town at her front door, witness Lora Hampton, 60, who escaped the bullets that claimed West and Smith in the parking lot that night, had little sympathy for him.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Beyoncé has now claimed dozens of wins on the roster throughout her career.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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