protest 1 of 2

protest

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word protest distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of protest are affirm, assert, avow, and declare. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

When can affirm be used instead of protest?

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

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for protest?

While in some cases nearly identical to protest, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When is avow a more appropriate choice than protest?

The words avow and protest can be used in similar contexts, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When is it sensible to use declare instead of protest?

Although the words declare and protest have much in common, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

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 protest
Noun
In justifying its unprecedented targeting of higher education, the Trump administration has repeatedly pointed to the wave of protests at many universities criticizing Israel’s actions following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 Financial hardship and tax relief Robert Ewing, another KCK homeowner, recently abandoned his property tax protest petition and paid his tax bill with a credit card after being denied a second hearing. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Joni Auden Land/OPB Thousands of people participated in the Hands Off! demonstrations across the U.S. on Saturday to protest President Trump and Elon Musk's actions. Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025 Thousands protest Trump in rallies across South Florida | Photos 'Everything is being destroyed': Thousands protest Trump in rallies across South Florida | Photos Florida homeowners turn to this insurance strategy to save money. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
Noun
  • Provide 7 realistic objections or reasons for apathy that typical customers might have.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • There has never been an objection to describing this highly brutal, murderous conduct in words, nor did anyone object to this office when such crime scene images were recently shown on a Netflix documentary.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In 1542 a treaty with Spain would have made the principality a fiefdom, but the Grimaldi’s insisted on language that at least gave lip service to their sovereignty.
    Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 Mar. 2025
  • As part of its demands for a broader ceasefire, the Kremlin laid out several tough conditions that Putin had previously insisted on – such as a halt to all foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv, and a halt to any Ukrainian mobilization or rearming during that period.
    Edward Szekeres, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Thousands of protesters gathered across the U.S. Saturday to object to Trump administration policies, including Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal downsizing, reciprocal tariffs and immigration reform.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Protesters also objected to the role billionaire Elon Musk has played in Trump's government.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The recall began after a consumer made a complaint about the cans containing cashews.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Attorneys for the defendants will have the chance to answer the complaint and raise defenses.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The 38-year-old took to Instagram to hit back at a comment about his father following Variety's report alleging that Marc Platt flew to New York to speak with Zegler over her politics.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration alleges that Maduro and Cabello are not only complicit in its rise but actively control it through the Soles drug cartel, using the gang as a deadly enforcement squad.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Pundits complained last year’s Cannes was a light affair, but that had to do with the bottleneck created by the strikes, for one.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • While speaking at a dinner hosted by the National Republican Congressional Committee on Tuesday, Trump complained over how the U.S. doesn’t manufacturer its own pharmaceuticals stating that tariffs on these products would be forthcoming.
    Joseph Choi, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of the most glaring exceptions is behind the plate.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The state of exception allowed the police to feel that the government had their backs.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Iran experts have claimed that the fatwa is non-existent.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • If the Department of Education succeeds in obtaining immunity from DOGE lawsuits, other Trump administration departments would likely claim the same immunity.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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