Synonym Chooser

How is the word affirm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for affirm?

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

asserted that modern music is just noise

When might avow be a better fit than affirm?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When can declare be used instead of affirm?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of affirm?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 affirm That affirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments over the weekend. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 7 July 2025 The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, aimed to affirm that Trump should seek authorization from Congress before launching more military action against Iran. Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 Since January 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has tracked nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ state legislative bills across the United States targeting transgender youth, restricting access to affirming services and limiting public expression of LGBTQ+ identities. Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit. Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for affirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm
Verb
  • The club insisted Isak was left behind because of a minor thigh problem but The Athletic reported on Thursday sources, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, indicated the forward favoured being omitted amid his uncertain future.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the national security laws were necessary for the city's stability.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Despite suspicions of foul play from both U.S. and Zambian officials, local police declared Bianca’s death the result of an accidental discharge of a firearm.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • The arrival of the aforementioned seafood tray is the last straw, and Laurel declares the meal over.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Neymar has alleged that a fan called him a mercenary and spoke about his family and friends after Santos’ 2-1 home defeat by Internacional on Wednesday.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • The lawsuit alleged that Tyler Technologies Inc. violated the state’s 2024 Honest Pricing Law by adding hidden fees to campsite reservations.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • Brown denies the allegations, and her attorney asserts her innocence, while the city seeks restitution and damages.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Beyoncé has now claimed dozens of wins on the roster throughout her career.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Across town at her front door, witness Lora Hampton, 60, who escaped the bullets that claimed West and Smith in the parking lot that night, had little sympathy for him.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Indeed the film has become a cultural touchstone over the years, with many of the leading lights in the world of women’s soccer proclaiming Bend It Like Beckham as their main source of inspiration back in the day when the amateur antics of women playing soccer were laughed at.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 July 2025
  • Those who would argue that this abuse of power constitutes a crime should remember that Trump and his team have avidly proclaimed that presidents must have immunity from criminal prosecution for acts within the broad ambit of executive power.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Two-way traffic will be maintained during construction.
    Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025
  • This practice helps maintain brand consistency and maximize the return on creative production budgets.
    Andrew Fingerman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Both babyfaces loudly professed their respect for one another before throwing hands again.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In a separate tribute to his wife of nearly 11 years, the musician further professed his love for Tisdale.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Affirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affirm. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on affirm

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