ASCERTAIN Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'ascertain' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascertain are determine , discover , learn , and unearth . While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty. // attempts to ascertain the population of the region

Q: When is 'determine' a more appropriate choice than 'ascertain'?

The meanings of determine and ascertain largely overlap; however, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. // unable to determine the origin of the word

Q: When would 'discover' be a good substitute for 'ascertain'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascertain , discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. // discovered the source of the river

Q: In what contexts can 'learn' take the place of 'ascertain'?

The words learn and ascertain can be used in similar contexts, but learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice. // I learned her name only today // learning Greek

Q: When can 'unearth' be used instead of 'ascertain'?

The words unearth and ascertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. // unearth old records

ascertain

verb

ˌa-sər-ˈtān

Definition of ascertain next

as in to discover

to come to an awareness of was immediately able to ascertain that the girl was uncomfortable talking about her life at home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to find

to come upon after searching, study, or effort ascertained that their old colonial-era house had once functioned as a tavern

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ascertain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascertain are determine, discover, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is determine a more appropriate choice than ascertain?

The meanings of determine and ascertain largely overlap; however, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When would discover be a good substitute for ascertain?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascertain, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

In what contexts can learn take the place of ascertain?

The words learn and ascertain can be used in similar contexts, but learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today

learning Greek

When can unearth be used instead of ascertain?

The words unearth and ascertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 ascertain Both players will undergo assessments to ascertain the gravity of the situation as thoughts turn to the next fixture, at home against Ipswich Town on Friday. —

James McNicholas, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 Now, in order to ascertain a preschool for her, my husband and I have to pay a nonrefundable fee to place her on a waitlist. —

Danaya Wilson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 The extent of the damage has been difficult to ascertain, in part because of the prevalence of undocumented migrants living in informal dwellings. —

Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 Finance, with its ability to ascertain value, ensure accountability, and provide an objective perspective, plays an indispensable role in making AI investments truly pay off. —

Jason McDannold, Pak, paula Walworth, Harvard Business Review, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ascertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain

Verb

The fraudulent charges were discovered by a businessman, who reported the credit card had been originally issued to his father, who was deceased, the sheriff’s office said.

Mark Price, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
After Short's body was discovered, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation, which ran until 1950, when it was shut down, according to 48 Hours.

Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025