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assent

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noun

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 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 assent
Verb
The latter measure is being challenged in court and the nation’s president has yet to assent to it. Kaula Nhongo / Bloomberg, TIME, 21 June 2024 Two counsellors of state act jointly in exercising royal powers such as assenting to laws, receiving ambassadors and holding Privy Council meetings. Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 6 Feb. 2024
Noun
Iranians concluded that this public, conservative defection would not have happened without the supreme leader’s quiet assent. Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 29 July 2024 Red’s attitude towards her assent to fame has largely remained the same. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for assent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • For example, 67% of employers say regular conversations with managers about career paths are available, but only 42% of workers agree.
    Bruno V. Manno, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Both had agreed prior to their trials to testify against Encep Nurjaman, whom the U.S. described as the alleged mastermind behind al-Qaeda attacks in Bali, Indonesia, in 2002, and in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2003, the Pentagon said.
    Luis Martinez, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Indeed, the notion remains strong that Ukraine’s acquiescence to Russia on the territorial issue would send a devastating signal around the world that force prevails over the rule of law.
    Howard LaFranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2024
  • But all dictatorships require at least some degree of either popular support or acquiescence.
    Brett L. Carter, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2023
Verb
  • As far back as 2006, discussions of a film were in the works with Cummings-Ramone consenting to potential production of the movie.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Tennessee will argue Wednesday that minors cannot adequately consent to receiving treatments like puberty blockers and hormones and its law prevents them from making rash medical decisions.
    Brooke Migdon, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • However, don't stop taking any medicines without getting the approval of your healthcare team.
    Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Kim was taken into custody early Wednesday following a Seoul court's approval of a warrant accusing him of orchestrating a rebellion and abusing his authority.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • House Republicans have doubled down on their commitment to maintain the McCarthy-Biden agreement's defense spending levels, resisting calls to exceed the cap.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Courting Indian travelers As outbound travel from China remains muted, more countries are courting Indian travelers through new visa-free agreements, direct flights and ad campaigns.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The film was also nominated in the best comedy/musical category, and the film delves into issues of acceptance, discrimination, representation, but also is so deeply funny.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Fewer Schools Announcing Their Results In November, Harvard announced a major change in its admissions practices: the university will no longer publicize admissions rates on the day that students are notified of their acceptances.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Louisiana — the home state of Sen. Bill Cassidy, who'll have a key role in the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. North Carolina and Indiana, the home states of Sens. Thom Tillis, a moderate Republican up for reelection in 2026, and Todd Young, who didn't endorse Trump in the 2024 election.
    Sophia Cai, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The Senate will likely hold confirmation hearings, which are public, for Trump’s Cabinet picks.
    Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Phaedra tries to set a positive tone by encouraging the group to share affirmations at the table, hoping to foster unity within the sister circle.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • China stocks led losses in Asia Friday as Beijing’s affirmation of its recent policy shifts and plans to boost growth, following a high-profile meeting Thursday, appeared to have fallen short of investors’ expectations.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near assent

Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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