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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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

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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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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 of assert in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nevertheless, the almanac asserts heavy snowstorms will hit central and southern Appalachia, the Rockies and portions of the western Ohio Valley. Kentucky, according to the almanac's map, will have cold and snowy conditions over most of the state. —

John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 20 Sep. 2024 The heckler was partially inspired by some of my experiences in writers rooms with men who use comedy as a way to assert dominance over other people. —

Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2024 Israel needs to assert 'escalation dominance' to avoid a wider war: Dan Hoffman Warning, graphic video: Former CIA chief of stations Dan Hoffman touts the pager explosions that killed 12 and injured roughly 3,000 as an 'extraordinary intelligence success' as Hezbollah vows retaliation. —

Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 19 Sep. 2024 Nevertheless, the almanac asserts heavy snowstorms will hit central and southern Appalachia, the Rockies and portions of the western Ohio Valley. Indiana, writes the almanac, will have snowy, cold conditions in the southern half of the state while northern Indiana gets cold drier weather. —

John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assert

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assert. Accessed 29 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 27 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of assert

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