avow

verb

ə-ˈvau̇ How to pronounce avow (audio)
Definition of avownext
1
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully avowed that the colonization of Mars in our lifetime is not only possible but probable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly avowed their undying love for each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word avow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of avow are affirm, assert, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When might affirm be a better fit than avow?

The synonyms affirm and avow are sometimes interchangeable, but affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

Where would assert be a reasonable alternative to avow?

Although the words assert and avow have much in common, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When would declare be a good substitute for avow?

In some situations, the words declare and avow are roughly equivalent. However, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When could protest be used to replace avow?

The words protest and avow can be used in similar contexts, but 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 avow Tens of thousands of the faithful joined curious tourists to gather on the square to hear the words of the first American pope, a Chicago native, avowed White Sox fan − and longtime Francis confidant. —John Bacon, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Jelly Roll has long been a loud, avowed Eminem fan. —Brian McCollum, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Nigel and Isaac had post-Revolutionary War love They were avowed enemies of war: American Revolutionary War veteran Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones) and British officer Nigel Chessum (John Hartman) found unlikely love in Season 2. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Jennifer Lawrence, Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are all avowed Doona-heads. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for avow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avow
  1. insist
  2. declare
  3. allege
  4. profess
  5. claim
  6. assert
  7. contend
  8. proclaim
Verb
  • 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
  • Now Bondi and Patel insist that there's nothing there.
    — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of insist
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
  • Clovis, a journalist, opposed the megalomaniacal ambitions of President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, who would soon declare himself Emperor Napoleon III.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • 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
  • Trump also defended Bondi in a Truth Social post over the weekend and urged his followers to move on from Epstein, alleging the files were manufactured by Democrats.
    — Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of allege
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
Definition of profess
Verb
  • Columbia University has offered $9 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by former students who claimed the university had submitted inaccurate data to U.S. News & World Report, according to the Columbia Spectator.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • If the settlement amount is approved, those who claimed devices will receive their share.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Acrobatics & tumbling asserts its athletic diversity, drawing on a wide range of strengths from its participants.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • In his letter, Donovan asserted that the Chiefs had submitted a proposal to the state and received no response for six weeks — a claim Kelly administration officials dispute.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Definition of assert
Verb
  • Abrego Garcia denies being a member of the gang and contends the charges don’t justify holding him in jail.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • Parker and Stone contend that incoming Skydance-Paramount president Jeff Shell is attempting to tank outside bids for the next round of South Park’s digital rights, which remain under Paramount for two more years.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
Definition of contend
Verb
  • After the MacArthur Park action, Trump’s disciples proclaimed victory.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • That verdict comes from Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams, one of a few big names (with Dave Grohl and the band HAIM) who proclaim their fanship.
    — Brett Milano, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
Definition of proclaim

Browse Nearby Words

avouchments
avow
avowal
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Cite this Entry

“Avow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avow. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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