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 The attack came as global markets were trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2025 The attack came as global markets were trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Aamer Madhani, Twin Cities, 23 June 2025 Global markets were also trying to ascertain what lays ahead after the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend with a barrage of 30,000-pound bunker busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 In terms of the mechanism of fungicidal action, through protein analysis, the researchers were able to ascertain that CBD and CBDV disrupted cell membranes and metabolism. Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.
    Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
  • The observatory will also discover millions of new asteroids and comets, improving our understanding of the solar system and helping with planetary defense.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Mexican authorities recently found 20 bodies, including several that were decapitated and four that were left hanging from a bridge over a highway.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Senior-level Secret Service officials knew about the potential threat on Trump’s life, though the information was not specific to the July 13 rally or a specific gunman, the report found.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Anyone could be forgiven for not realizing this week’s slasher thriller, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr., is a brand-new movie, not a revival of the 1997 box-office hit which launched those two as stars and had exactly the same memorable title.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Biscayne National Park Visitors are often surprised to learn there’s a national park within eyeshot of downtown Miami’s skyscrapers.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Besides, the singer and songwriter has learned not to count out the impossible.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Chicago O’Hare, one of the world’s busiest airports, saw nearly 114,000 passengers, also a record.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Pérez Art Museum Miami The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), located off Biscayne Boulevard, offers world-class exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and spaces for art, relaxation, and dining.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Because Ireland is an Anglophone country with large diasporas located in the United Kingdom and the United States, it is assumed that politics should behave a little bit like the two nations who pump so much influence back into it through the mass media produced in London, New York, and Hollywood.
    Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • It's been 100 years, and echoes of the controversial Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted modern science against creationism, can still be heard around the world and seen in Dayton, TN, the heart of the trial.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
  • There are still multiple avenues to improving the team, but the James situation could have them on hold. Expect to continue hearing the Lakers in the NBA rumor mill.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • To determine the freshness of food, consider government recommendations and use your sight and smell if something seems off.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 7 July 2025
  • The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children Services is now working to determine where Kumar will be placed and ensure his safety going forward.
    Jovi Dai, Mercury News, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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