assert

verb

ə-ˈsərt How to pronounce assert (audio)
Definition of assertnext
1
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly a superpatriot who is never afraid to assert her allegiance to flag and country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration asserted that a new roof would be necessary if the church was to remain open

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully vigorously asserted that what passes for art these days is absolute rubbish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assert distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assert are affirm, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When could affirm be used to replace assert?

The words affirm and assert can be used in similar contexts, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When might avow be a better fit than assert?

The synonyms avow and assert are sometimes interchangeable, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

In what contexts can declare take the place of assert?

While in some cases nearly identical to assert, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of assert?

While the synonyms protest and assert are close in meaning, 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 assert The Iron Duke dropped out of the formation as the pilot and co-pilot were unable to assert their control over the aircraft. —Linda Dudik, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2025 This magical transition will push us to dream big and assert our visions in the world. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 23 May 2025 Fans of this kind of lyrical sparring often assert that battling is the essence of rap. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025 The group asserted in its post that Rodriguez was not currently a member of the organization and had not had contact for nearly a decade. —Helena Skinner, ABC News, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assert
  1. declare
  2. argue
  3. insist
  4. affirm
  5. contend
  6. claim
  7. proclaim
  8. reason
Verb
  • With support from some lawmakers including Crenshaw, Trump has also declared Mexican cartels terrorist organizations -- and some have suggested Washington should send the U.S. military to kill cartel leaders on their own turf.
    — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • The town of Pryluky, where the firefighter’s family and two other people were killed overnight, declared two days of mourning on Thursday and Friday, ordering flags to be flown half-mast and black banners displayed on public buildings.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • Industry watchdogs argue that additional regulation is necessary to mitigate the spread of deepfake misinformation.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 3 June 2025
  • Nicholson argues the clock reset every time she was turned away from the stage.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will.
    — Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • But all eyes are likely to be on A$AP Rocky, who’s done some scattered acting before, but who appears in his biggest role to date as Yung Felon, a part whose place in the story has yet to be revealed, but that’s been affirmed by Lee to be a major one.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • Researchers must affirm their safety in larger studies and better understand whether these cells remain functional for the long term and can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
    — Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
Definition of affirm
Verb
  • However, the positive sentiment fizzled as the day went on, Cramer contended, because uncertainty over the legal challenges to the tariffs increased.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 29 May 2025
  • At worst, Nomura is probably contending for a stint on the practice squad.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2025
Definition of contend
Verb
  • The drone's electric propulsion is also substantially quieter than typical drones, registering as nearly silent at 100 meters, a performance detail that impressed demo audiences and makes the aircraft ideal for urban operations, the company claims.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • Andrew is also facing a separate civil suit by four British women, who accused him of rape and physical abuse and claimed police and prosecutors failed them by not pursuing criminal charges years ago.
    — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Earlier this month, the president proclaimed on Truth Social that the U.S. will designate new holidays to commemorate the end of World War I and World War II in Europe.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 26 May 2025
  • In 2021 and 2022, Cuccinelli, with Vought’s help, mounted press conferences and privately urged Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona and Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas to proclaim that their states were being invaded.
    — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 23 May 2025
Definition of proclaim
Verb
  • Hyland reasoned that the khipu’s last few cords probably were a signature.
    — Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
  • The vast majority of fully orange cats are male, which led scientists to reason decades ago that the genetic code for orange color is carried on the X chromosome.
    — Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Definition of reason

Browse Nearby Words

assent (to)
assert
asserted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assert. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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