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 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 Illinois hospital emergency departments must continue to provide abortions when necessary to pregnant women whose health is in danger, despite a change in federal guidance earlier this week, state leaders affirmed Wednesday. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for affirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm
Verb
  • The child is nudged forward by an ambitious parent, by an influential teacher, or simply by a curiosity that, like water, insists on finding its way in and out.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • Trump, in his social media post, insisted that his administration is achieving success and shouldn't get sidetracked by this.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Exceeding the authority The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled in May that Trump had exceeded his authority by declaring an emergency to impose tariffs without congressional approval.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • Just how confident is Vandy? Pavia last month called out Alabama on a national podcast, declaring the Commodores have the talent to beat the Tide again.
    Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • In 2019, Ri sued her dad and his business partner, Moses Perkins, for starting a company called Fenty Entertainment, alleging that the men were attempting to profit off of her name and misleading investors about her involvement.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 July 2025
  • Prosecutors allege 23-year-old Lontray Clark set the fire after finding out his ex-girlfriend was dating his friend, CBS News reported.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 14 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
  • Under the agreement, Nantucket will establish a community claims fund to provide compensation for economic losses by local businesses Claims will be evaluated by an independent, third party administrator, which will issue payments, the town said.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Although a trial is scheduled for December, and although NASCAR claims 23XI and Front Row won’t engage in meaningful settlement talks, the odds of the parties reaching a deal before trial remain more likely than not.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • After the MacArthur Park action, Trump’s disciples proclaimed victory.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • Though that seems quite compelling, the other side of the coin proclaims that freedom of speech surpasses any of those argued downsides.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The pilot struggled to maintain the plane on a heading and climb, a preliminary report said.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
  • To maintain a growth mindset, routinely evaluate your hard and soft skills.
    Kevin Walters, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • On Wednesday, as the U.S. House of Representatives debated the big bill to cut taxes, cut social program spending, provide more money for immigration enforcement and the military, and increase the federal debt, Democrats professed outrage.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Up until the last months of his life, Austin professed loyalty to Mexico.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 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 19 Jul. 2025.

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