AFFIRM Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'affirm' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert , avow , declare , and protest . While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. // affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Q: When would 'assert' be a good substitute for 'affirm'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affirm , assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. // asserted that modern music is just noise

Q: When might 'avow' be a better fit than 'affirm'?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. // avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Q: When can 'declare' be used instead of 'affirm'?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement. // declared her support for the candidate

Q: When is it sensible to use 'protest' instead of 'affirm'?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. // protested that he really had been misquoted

affirm

verb

ə-ˈfərm

Definition of affirm next

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully unwilling to affirm without further study that the painting is an original Rembrandt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly our business partner affirmed his trust in us, and we in turn promised not to let him down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affirm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for affirm?

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

asserted that modern music is just noise

When might avow be a better fit than affirm?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When can declare be used instead of affirm?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of affirm?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

Examples 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 affirm In fact, Moo Deng at one point turns directly to camera B and explicitly affirms Roan’s right to be left alone. —

Sarah Burke, Them, 23 Oct. 2024 Their studios now stand as radical, welcoming spaces—a testament to the belief that their communities deserve access to safe, affirming wellness experiences. —

Patrice Peck, Essence, 21 Oct. 2024 Quickly the young alto sax player, his new album Blue Blood affirming his stature as one of the rising stars of jazz, an astonishing leap from the already-brilliant work of his first two albums, realizes how that sounds. —

Steve Hochman, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2024 Moreover, reading Powers in this more difficult, demanding way affirms the imperative that Literature—recalcitrant in its ideas, characters, and storylines—should invite and sustain more of and from its readers. —

Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affirm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm

Verb

Despite Jesse Palmer’s suspicions, Jonathan insists he’s never done a striptease professionally.

Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
The former President has repeatedly insisted that people do not leave his rallies early, as attendance and crowd size have become major topics in the run-up to the election.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024