ASSERT Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm , avow , declare , and protest . While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. // asserted that modern music is just noise

Q: When could 'affirm' be used to replace 'assert'?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. // affirmed the existence of an afterlife

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

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. // avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Q: In what contexts can 'declare' take the place of 'assert'?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert , declare stresses open or public statement. // declared her support for the candidate

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

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. // protested that he really had been misquoted

assert

verb

ə-ˈsərt

Definition of assert next

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly a superpatriot who is never afraid to assert her allegiance to flag and country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration asserted that a new roof would be necessary if the church was to remain open

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully vigorously asserted that what passes for art these days is absolute rubbish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assert distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When could affirm be used to replace assert?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When might avow be a better fit than assert?

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

In what contexts can declare take the place of assert?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of assert?

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, 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 assert Relationships can endure an awful lot, the play asserts, but not false intimacy—not the pretense of something that should be sacred. —

Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024 Given this, as before, the United States should assert its leadership to build a common, multilayered and coordinated international approach to Myanmar among like-minded countries to help shape its peaceful, just and democratic future. —

Derek Mitchell, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024 Kamal Adwan’s director on Saturday asserted that Israel’s military had ordered an evacuation and said shelling was occurring. —

Wafaa Shurafa and Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024 How Is TikTok Responding? In its filing, the company asserted that the government's claims lack evidence of any immediate threat. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assert

Verb

The election, which was not expected to be called for days, was declared a Trump victory that night.

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
In 2019, their divorce was bifurcated — both Jolie and Pitt were declared legally single even though the rest of the issues, like custody, were not yet settled.

Eric Andersson, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024