Synonym Chooser

How is the word avow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of avow are affirm, assert, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When might affirm be a better fit than avow?

The synonyms affirm and avow are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Where would assert be a reasonable alternative to avow?

Although the words assert and avow have much in common, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When would declare be a good substitute for avow?

In some situations, the words declare and avow are roughly equivalent. However, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When could protest be used to replace avow?

The words protest and avow can be used in similar contexts, but 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 avow The lawsuit was first filed against the Eau Claire Area School District in 2022 by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and America First Legal — the organization started by Trump’s new deputy chief of staff for policy and avowed white nationalist Stephen Miller. Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 Iran and Israel, for example, are avowed adversaries. Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 Later, Jordan became furious when her and Lorde’s mutual friend, the poet Adrienne Rich, publicly avowed her Zionism following Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2024 This desire to make any and all spaces comfortable and cozy, as well as create a distinct personality, is what people are resonating with today, says Grandma’s Silver podcast creator and avowed grandmillennial Allie Kochinsky. Emily Evans Eerdmans, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for avow 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
Verb
  • But Trump insists after charges were dropped following the 2024 election that he was fully exonerated.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 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
Verb
  • Trump’s election and the activism of conservative investors have many experts declaring that DEI is dead.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Biden declared Thursday, Jan. 9 a national day of mourning for the 39th president of the United States.
    Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Bondi served as an adviser on Trump's 2020 campaign, helping file a string of unsuccessful lawsuits alleging voter fraud and pushing to delegitimize vote counting in Pennsylvania.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The settlements included a $7.5 million deal to settle the first of more than 150 federal lawsuits alleging phony arrest by corrupt ex-police Sgt.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But at their end-of-season media availability to wrap up a 5-12 campaign, Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President Kevin Warren again professed their trust that Poles would help the Bears get back on track — at least in the short term.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Cooper Koch is professing his love for boyfriend Stuart McClave.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The group claims sole possession of the third-most No. 1s in the chart’s history, after sitting in a three-way tie for the mark.
    Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The very next day, Johnson was claimed by the New York Jets and spent three years there.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Political reform, reducing Iranian influence and consolidating state authority over arms are seen by the U.S. (and many Iraqis) as essential for Iraq to assert its independence.
    James Durso, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Vivier says modern rhinos can live and reproduce just fine without horns, which are used primarily by bulls to assert their dominance.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Now after not knowing if her career was over, Prince could contend for an All-American spot, just like Van Lith, who is averaging 18.3 points and a career-high 6.2 assists.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The suit, submitted in U.S. District Court, contends that Black voters, who represent nearly one-third of the county's electorate, face significant barriers to electing candidates of their choice under the current system.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After another person in the club, who was a medic, proclaimed that Morrison was dead, two drug dealers allegedly moved Morrison to his apartment to cover up the overdose and protect their boss, Count Jean de Breteuil, per Rolling Stone.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • But despite proclaiming that the Terps were ready to compete for a conference championship, his tenure has been marked by an inability to get the program over the hump against elite opponents.
    C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near avow

Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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