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
  • The memo declared the DOJ would defer to federal agencies to set rules — and only enforce those rules once defined.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 24 May 2025
  • Korda has declared that, because his nine sons are, frankly, nincompoops and rapscallions, Liesl will be the sole heir to his fortune.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • The bill would also make major changes to Pell grant disbursements, which some advocates have argued would limit higher education accessibility to lower-income students and families.
    — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • The moderates advocated for an increase to the SALT cap, currently set at $10,000, but argued that the $30,000 cap outlined in the package remained too low.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 22 May 2025
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • The administration can also insist that other countries pay prices commensurate with the value of new medicines as a condition of striking trade agreements with the United States.
    — Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • But all eyes are likely to be on A$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
  • Critics have long contended that the position amounted to little more than a fig leaf, albeit one that still managed to occupy a few seats at the national policy-making table.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 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 irony, the heartbreak, is that Sarah and Yaron devoted themselves to preventing the very kind of violence that claimed their lives.
    — Margaux Chetrit, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • But unscrupulous preparers convince taxpayers to claim the credit to receive a large refund.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.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 3 Jun. 2025.

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