ASSENT Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of assent are accede , acquiesce , agree , consent , and subscribe . While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions. // voters assented to the proposal

Q: When might 'accede' be a better fit than 'assent'?

The meanings of accede and assent largely overlap; however, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent. // officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

Q: When is 'acquiesce' a more appropriate choice than 'assent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to assent , acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition. // acquiesced to his boss's wishes

Q: When would 'agree' be a good substitute for 'assent'?

The synonyms agree and assent are sometimes interchangeable, but agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion. // finally agreed to come along

Q: In what contexts can 'consent' take the place of 'assent'?

In some situations, the words consent and assent are roughly equivalent. However, consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired. // consented to their daughter's going

Q: When can 'subscribe' be used instead of 'assent'?

While the synonyms subscribe and assent are close in meaning, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support. // subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

assent 1 of 2

verb

ə-ˈsent

Definition of assent next

as in to agree

to give or express one's approval (as to a proposal) are we to conclude from your silence that you assent?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

assent

2 of 2

noun

as in acquiescence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assent distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assent are accede, acquiesce, agree, consent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When might accede be a better fit than assent?

The meanings of accede and assent largely overlap; however, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When is acquiesce a more appropriate choice than assent?

While in some cases nearly identical to assent, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

When would agree be a good substitute for assent?

The synonyms agree and assent are sometimes interchangeable, but agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

In what contexts can consent take the place of assent?

In some situations, the words consent and assent are roughly equivalent. However, consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When can subscribe be used instead of assent?

While the synonyms subscribe and assent are close in meaning, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

Examples of assent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Three years ago, the citizenry of Seattle preferred to pick a Republican as their city attorney rather than to assent to the peculiar ideas of Nicole Thomas-Kennedy, who had proposed abolishing jails. —

The Editors, National Review, 23 May 2024 Contesting a South China Sea ADIZ, tying Beijing’s behavior to other aspects of the bilateral relationship, and assenting to Vietnamese or Philippine militarization would all be steps that Washington should be and would be loath to take. —

Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2016

Noun

His functions as head of state include meeting weekly with the prime minister to consult, warn, and advise on issues of the day, giving royal assent to new laws, and opening and proroguing Parliament. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 To a philosopher, as to a Jew, there is no insult as grave as placating assent, no tribute as great as a detailed rebuttal. —

Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for assent

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