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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of assert Jim McGovern, a Democratic representative, asserted that Musk used his influence to scuttle the original budget deal in order to get that China provision excised. —

Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025 The committee asserts that this change would yield as much as $918 billion in savings over 10 years. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025 Gaiman has strenuously denied all allegations against him since the Tortoise podcast came out, asserting that all relations were consensual; this new blog post marks his most comprehensive statement on the allegations yet. —

Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025 Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the election and pleaded not guilty to all federal charges, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assert

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assert

Verb

Trump’s election and the activism of conservative investors have many experts declaring that DEI is dead.

Dev Patnaik, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
Biden declared Thursday, Jan. 9 a national day of mourning for the 39th president of the United States.

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025