avowal

noun

avow·​al ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

: an open declaration or acknowledgment

Synonyms

• affirmation
• assertion
• asseveration
• avouchment
• claim
• declaration
• insistence
• profession
• protestation

Examples of avowal in a Sentence

I didn't believe her avowal of innocence.

The couple exchanged avowals of love.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their jobs—which may involve stabbing, shooting, or strangling, as well as betrayals and avowals of loyalty, and locking bodies in car trunks for later disposal—may be slightly stressful at times, but the effects are temporary. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 30 July 2024

The finale gave us a pretty thrilling cliffhanger: an airborne dragon duel, the killing of a young prince, avowals of all-out war. —Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 14 June 2024

Indeed, Anderson’s avowal of the left’s historical defeat slides too easily into resentment of such people, who have failed to shake off their Eastern superstitions and appreciate the Western virtues of reason and enlightenment. —Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

What’s worth bearing in mind is that an avowal of love can have meanings beyond its words. —Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

avowal

noun

avow·​al ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l 

: an open declaration or admission