1
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of
professed friendship while secretly plotting revenge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly
the lonely woman professed her love in a series of letters to the soldier
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
he professed his innocence to anyone who would listen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profess
In the season 1 finale, Culkin, 44, makes a hilarious appearance as a heckler during the fictional Los Angeles Waves basketball team as another character uses the game to profess his love publicly by singing a Taylor Swift song.
—
Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary?
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
But any worries that may be playing out in China about whether Trump – a leader who’s repeatedly professed his admiration for both Putin and Xi – could unwind their bond is likely underscored by the echoes of past mistrust between the neighbors.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
More inescapable than in seasons past, its heavy presence was notable given how many people and brands have professed an aversion to the material.
—Simbarashe Cha, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profess
Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary?
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
But any worries that may be playing out in China about whether Trump – a leader who’s repeatedly professed his admiration for both Putin and Xi – could unwind their bond is likely underscored by the echoes of past mistrust between the neighbors.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
More inescapable than in seasons past, its heavy presence was notable given how many people and brands have professed an aversion to the material.
—Simbarashe Cha, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profess
Verb
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But one of the show’s most viral clips is much more representative: The veteran SNL writer Jim Downey pretends to have never heard about Jeffrey Epstein’s misdeeds, to O’Brien’s bleating objections.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
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Appearing in his second Saturday Night Live-adjacent film after Wayne's World, Lowe played the villainous Paul Barrish, Tommy's older stepbrother, who plots to take over his father's company with help from his secret lover, partner-in-crime, and pretend mother, Beverly (played by Bo Derek).—
Mike Miller,
EW.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After an over 80-year run reigning supreme as one of the top one-stop-shop destinations for all things arts and crafts, Joann—previously Jo-Ann Fabrics—has officially declared the closing of all retail locations across the United States.—
Elizabeth Grace Coyne,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Emergency declared South Carolina In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday as part of an effort to stop a blaze in Pickens County called the Table Rock Fire that started the previous day in an area within the Blue Ridge Mountains.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Public officials who insisted such efforts were impossible, in an instant, demonstrated that a cleaner, safer city was always within reach.—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
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Why does the club insist on rebuilding via purchasing players as opposed to harnessing the talents of academy players instead?—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Her dog, Willow Jane, assumes the position and places her head in her palm.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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Never assume; repeat, ask them questions, be patient and laugh.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Her attorneys on Friday asked a federal court in Massachusetts to assert jurisdiction over her case, release her on bail as the litigation moves forward and restore her F-1 student visa.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2025
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Related Stories Still, Republicans and some corporations lined up to sue the SEC over the rule as soon as the agency released it, alleging that the agency had gone too far and asserting that the rule is unconstitutional.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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However, during their meeting, Saldívar delayed handing over the papers, alleging she had been raped the night before, per USA Today.—
Kelsie Gibson,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The administration has sent more than 200 Venezuelans to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, alleging that the migrants have gang ties, claims that families and attorneys of some of those deported have strongly denied.—
Daniella Silva,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Taiwan's largest annual war games, held to simulate responses to a possible Chinese invasion, will publicly assume a full-scale attack for the first time in 2027.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
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From simulating the flow of people, goods, utilities and other life support systems to predicting emergency impacts, digital twins provide a vital, real-time lens into urban complexities.—
Timothy Papandreou,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Intrigue in Read's case has only grown since the mistrial, as she's continued to share her story and proclaim her innocence.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2025
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Elk are being depleted by wolves, proclaim the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, all of which sued to block ESA protections.—
Ted Williams,
Denver Post,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profess. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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