AFFIRM Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert , avow , declare , and protest . While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. // affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Q: When would 'assert' be a good substitute for 'affirm'?

While in some cases nearly identical to affirm , assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. // asserted that modern music is just noise

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

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. // avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Q: When can 'declare' be used instead of 'affirm'?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement. // declared her support for the candidate

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

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. // protested that he really had been misquoted

affirm

verb

ə-ˈfərm

Definition of affirm next

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully unwilling to affirm without further study that the painting is an original Rembrandt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly our business partner affirmed his trust in us, and we in turn promised not to let him down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affirm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for affirm?

While in some cases nearly identical to affirm, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When might avow be a better fit than affirm?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When can declare be used instead of affirm?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of affirm?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 affirm The Texas Supreme Court affirmed that the laws, which were passed in the early 1900s and amended in 1925, could be enforced. —

Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 With that, the Tax Court affirmed its holding that the IRS lacks the statutory authority to assess the penalty under section 6038(b)(1). —

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024 The museum, which announced his departure on November 4, did not offer details regarding his plans but affirmed that a search for a successor will begin soon. —

News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2024 Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit affirmed the judge’s ruling. —

Ella Lee, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affirm

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm

Verb

While Fed officials formally insist markets don't sway their decisions, economists say the central bank doesn't like to rattle them.

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
White insisted the reigning heavyweight champion and GOAT of the sport isn’t afraid to fight anyone.

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024