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

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 avow Voters today are worried and confused, mainly because each party’s candidate, their avowed future policies, and their abilities to perform are suspect. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2024 The Bear executive producers Josh Senior and Christopher Storer are avowed fans of ’90s music. Spin Staff, SPIN, 27 June 2024 As the country awaited the Investigative Committee's findings, several Kremlin allies and avowed Russian nationalists have provided their own theories. Charles Maynes, NPR, 25 June 2024 If Trump tries to appoint unqualified or avowed anti-Constitution people to cabinet and other high level posts, the Senate, including some Republicans, will refuse to confirm them. Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for avow 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
Verb
  • Although overall complaints have decreased, Boyles insists that its not because foul odors are no longer an issue.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
  • White insisted the reigning heavyweight champion and GOAT of the sport isn’t afraid to fight anyone.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Which really is the state question, it was legally declared so in 1996.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Then the City Section declared seven players ineligible right before the playoffs began and made the Gauchos ineligible for next year’s playoffs.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The lawsuit was first raised five years ago, after the workers alleged that Walt Disney Co. ignored the city of Anaheim's minimum wage law.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Yang is alleged to have worked for China’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), a branch of the ruling Communist Party tasked with gaining influence both at home and overseas.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In 1914, Kolbe professed final vows, taking the name Br.
    Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The singer/actress, 78, who dated the KISS musician from 1977 to 1979, reveals in her new memoir Cher: The Memoir, Part One that Simmons, 75, professed his love for her after just one date.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Dozens of accusers, including some minors, have come forward claiming they were drugged and assaulted.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Gray, who claimed a crucial congressional seat, ousting Republican Rep. John Duarte in an extremely close Central Valley race, was at the Capitol on Tuesday as an observer.
    Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The State Department has carved out loopholes for Israel that give the close American ally a pass on U.S. law restricting aid to foreign militaries over human rights abuses, a lawsuit from a group of Palestinians in Gaza and American relatives asserted Tuesday.
    Ellen Knickmeyer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
  • That led associate Jeff Oh Kern to assert himself as the presumptive beneficiary, though he is not legally considered the owner of the property.
    Andrew King, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • It is based in part, on grounds that charges in the indictment are unconstitutional since the charges are based on the exit tax regime which Ver contends is itself unconstitutional.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.D., Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • These kinds of legal tools can be empowering for voters of color in all states, voting rights advocates contend.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Every American of faith can now confidently proclaim that nativity scenes and other religious symbols can be freely displayed at courthouses, city halls, parks, and holiday festivals.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Big black letters on either side of the flatbed proclaimed ART IS … O’Grady, then 48, had decided to become an artist just six years before, after two marriages, an attempt at a novel, and stints as a translator and rock critic.
    Jillian Steinhauer, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near avow

Cite this Entry

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

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