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 Project Phoenix enlists volunteers across western states to keep tabs on birds before, during and after fire events to ascertain how bird distributions are affected by smoke. Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025 Reuters also could not ascertain the number of individual holders of the token. Michelle Conlin and Tom Wilson, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Reuters could not ascertain the identity of the people behind Celebration Cards, which also receives revenue from the trading activities of the meme coin. Tom Wilson and Michelle Conlin, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025 A bit of detective work ascertained its surprising provenance: The crate was an unsolicited donation from eccentric wrestling fanatic and convicted murderer John du Pont, an heir to the chemical company fortune who had attended UM decades earlier. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Deputy Marvin Morales was discovered unresponsive on the floor of a sheriff’s station bathroom.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The application of anti-D in fighting hemolytic disease of the newborn was not discovered until the 1960s.
    TIME, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The prior-generation Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive, the Long-Range All-Wheel Drive, and Performance All-Wheel Drive are only found on the inventory page now – where they are being heavily discounted in some cases.
    Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Many focused on the birdies and course-tying score, but leave it up to golf stat guru Justin Ray to find another impressive stat to pile onto Thomas' performance.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But not long into their stay, Barry saw photos of the pair in a news report and realized who Cummins was.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Given the stubbornly persistent phenomenon of underperforming predominantly Black schools throughout the nation, arguing that Brown’s potential has been fully realized would be absurd.
    Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Read Next: These Renegade Hunters Are Skiing into the Backcountry with Their Bird Dogs But the most valuable part of the class is learning to make good decisions in the mountains.
    Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
  • That’s a pretty big revelation, and one that Mark is not happy to learn.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Seattle saw some of Darnold’s best work up close in Minnesota’s Week 16 win at Lumen Field.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Houston, which used just three reserves the majority of the night before emptying its bench in the final minutes, saw its bench total 25.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The property, which many say is ideal for housing, has been vacant for decades because although it’s located within Chula Vista’s city boundaries, its only road access is from the city of San Diego.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Known as the Forty—it’s located at North 40 Place in the ritzy North Forty enclave—the $25 million mansion is relatively new, dating back to just 2009.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Cicadas make sure they are seen and heard during these events.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But just as bizarre was the fact that the Northern Irishman didn't even want to hear about it.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Here are four simple questions that can determine longevity of your connection.
    Mark Travers, Contributor, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Clashes reportedly continued overnight into Sunday but CNN was unable to determine the full extent of the unrest.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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