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 The celebration will go on for eight nights as an affirming holiday observed wherever Jews make their home. —

Philip Pacheco, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 Even if the Fourth Circuit affirms Bell, NASCAR could still ultimately win the case, which is set to go to trial next December. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Pursue hobbies, set personal goals and engage in self-care practices that affirm your value, regardless of your relationship status. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 In the comments, users generally affirmed the original poster's decision to buy the home for himself and kids — without his partner's input. —

Rachel Flynn, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affirm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm

Verb

Regulators and safety advocates insist the reporting requirement is crucial to understanding how well the technology is working — and is necessary to hold carmakers accountable for deaths and injuries when the technology fails.

— Joel Rose, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
China has repeatedly insisted that its ability to influence the business is limited to operations outside the U.S. but the Chinese government would have to approve of any sale.

— Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025