AVOW Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of avow are affirm , assert , declare , and protest . While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared. // avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

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

The synonyms affirm and avow are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith. // affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Q: Where would 'assert' be a reasonable alternative to 'avow'?

Although the words assert and avow have much in common, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence. // asserted that modern music is just noise

Q: When would 'declare' be a good substitute for 'avow'?

In some situations, the words declare and avow are roughly equivalent. However, declare stresses open or public statement. // declared her support for the candidate

Q: When could 'protest' be used to replace 'avow'?

The words protest and avow can be used in similar contexts, but protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt. // protested that he really had been misquoted

avow

verb

ə-ˈvau̇

Definition of avow next

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully avowed that the colonization of Mars in our lifetime is not only possible but probable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to declare

to state clearly and strongly avowed their undying love for each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word avow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of avow are affirm, assert, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When might affirm be a better fit than avow?

The synonyms affirm and avow are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Where would assert be a reasonable alternative to avow?

Although the words assert and avow have much in common, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When would declare be a good substitute for avow?

In some situations, the words declare and avow are roughly equivalent. However, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When could protest be used to replace avow?

The words protest and avow can be used in similar contexts, but 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 avow The lawsuit was first filed against the Eau Claire Area School District in 2022 by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and America First Legal — the organization started by Trump’s new deputy chief of staff for policy and avowed white nationalist Stephen Miller. —

Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 Iran and Israel, for example, are avowed adversaries. —

Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 Later, Jordan became furious when her and Lorde’s mutual friend, the poet Adrienne Rich, publicly avowed her Zionism following Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon. —

Danielle Amir Jackson, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2024 This desire to make any and all spaces comfortable and cozy, as well as create a distinct personality, is what people are resonating with today, says Grandma’s Silver podcast creator and avowed grandmillennial Allie Kochinsky. —

Emily Evans Eerdmans, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for avow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow

Verb

But their plans to quietly elope are upended when Min’s grandmother (Yun) flies in from Korea and insists on an all-out wedding extravaganza.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Social media users noted the similarities between the two men, with people insisting that Franco portray the 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate in whatever future show or movie was produced about his alleged crime.

— Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025