Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ascertain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascertain are determine, discover, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is determine a more appropriate choice than ascertain?

The meanings of determine and ascertain largely overlap; however, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When would discover be a good substitute for ascertain?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascertain, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

In what contexts can learn take the place of ascertain?

The words learn and ascertain can be used in similar contexts, but learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

When can unearth be used instead of ascertain?

The words unearth and ascertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 ascertain Once settled at Kelson's camp, the doctor is able to ascertain that Isla has a fatal form of cancer, and that there's no saving her. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 23 June 2025 Once the scooter submerges and goes out of GPS range, the system continues to ascertain its location based on factors such as its speed and orientation. Ben Coxworth july 10, New Atlas, 10 July 2025 The exact number of affected survivors is difficult to ascertain. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025 The latter split into at least three sub-lineages whose movements have been traced in South America, but scientists have not yet ascertained when the first people would have moved from Central America to South America. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • In the meantime, the Smiths hired their own analyst and discovered that all the emails had originated in the United States, not abroad.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • He was discovered about 9 a.m. on near mile marker 183.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Determined to find a way to make his first feature-length movie, Zhou took a multi-tiered approach to securing financing.
    Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Search crews found Phillips’ Jeep crushed into the mud, but have not recovered the fire chief’s body after more than two weeks of searching.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Sue is devastated by the idea, but also realizes that the group has no other choice.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • And, my fears were realized — the park was crowded.
    Tom Montgomery Fate, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • At the nearby Hershey Story Museum, kids can learn about the history of chocolate and how to make it.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
  • The youngest of seven siblings, Kelly learned to be resilient from an early age.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Friday, July 25 8 p.m. ET: Great White Reign of Terror - In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasn’t seen an attack in decades.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located on the east side of Q2 Stadium on Delta Drive.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
  • The $125 million corporate hub will be located in Franklin's Berry Farms neighborhood and is expected to open later this year.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The four semifinalists were determined based on point differential with the Raptors (+15.8), Thunder (+14.8), Hornets (+12.7) and Kings (+11.5) finishing ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (+9.5) and Atlanta Hawks (+8.0).
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • His body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of his death.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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