ASSERT Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm , avow , declare , and protest . While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. // asserted that modern music is just noise

Q: When could 'affirm' be used to replace 'assert'?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. // affirmed the existence of an afterlife

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

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. // avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Q: In what contexts can 'declare' take the place of 'assert'?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert , declare stresses open or public statement. // declared her support for the candidate

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

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. // protested that he really had been misquoted

assert

verb

ə-ˈsərt

Definition of assert next

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly a superpatriot who is never afraid to assert her allegiance to flag and country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration asserted that a new roof would be necessary if the church was to remain open

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully vigorously asserted that what passes for art these days is absolute rubbish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assert distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When could affirm be used to replace assert?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When might avow be a better fit than assert?

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

In what contexts can declare take the place of assert?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of assert?

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

Example 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 assert But ultimately the commission only makes recommendations; actually asserting the new limits of a continental shelf falls to the United States. —

Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025 Along those lines, the memorandum asserts Mizuhara is essentially unemployable. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Jan. 2025 The city has asserted that Johnson was shot amid chaos during which police officers manning a skirmish line were fending off bottles and rocks being thrown at them. —

Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025 Giuliani has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and denies any wrongdoing, and continues to falsely assert there was widespread election fraud in 2020, which there is no evidence to support. —

Alison Durkee, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assert

Verb

Donald Trump wants to declare Mexican cartels terrorist organizations as a way to exert maximum pressure on the country to stop dangerous drug trafficking.

— Anna Lagos, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025
Trump has issued executive orders to limit birthright citizenship, declaring a national emergency at the southwest border, and instructing border agents to summarily deport asylum-seeking migrants without granting them a hearing.

— Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025