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 Who gets the money? Oct. 23, 2024 There is no such controversy surrounding the Freeman ball, which soared directly at Zachary Ruderman, whose avowed favorite player is Freeman and who keeps score at the frequent games his family attends. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024 There are avowed eyebrow experts on Telegram who are claiming that this is absolutely 100% not the same person. —Tim Marchman, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024 The lawsuit was first filed against the Eau Claire Area School District in 2022 by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and America First Legal — the organization started by Trump’s new deputy chief of staff for policy and avowed white nationalist Stephen Miller. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024 Iran and Israel, for example, are avowed adversaries. —Maria Snegovaya, Foreign Affairs, 25 Nov. 2024 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
  • Public officials who insisted such efforts were impossible, in an instant, demonstrated that a cleaner, safer city was always within reach.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Dutchman was constantly shoehorned into an attacking midfield role that doesn’t bring out his best characteristics, yet Motta insisted on deploying him there.
    — Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • South Africa, positioned in East Africa, is one of the world’s poorest and newest countries in the world, having declared independence in July 2011.
    — Filip Timotija, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025
  • What was a eulogy if not a last chance to declare thoughts and feelings that have been withheld?
    — David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • The 38-year-old took to Instagram to hit back at a comment about his father following Variety's report alleging that Marc Platt flew to New York to speak with Zegler over her politics.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Trump administration alleges that Maduro and Cabello are not only complicit in its rise but actively control it through the Soles drug cartel, using the gang as a deadly enforcement squad.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of allege
Verb
  • Following an interview with TMZ from her room at the assisted living facility in which Williams professed to being in good mental health, NYPD officers performed a wellness check and subsequently escorted Williams to a hospital.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Trump professes his ability to make deals, and the saber-rattling of draconian levies on other countries is all part of the strategy to get the best arrangement possible where more goods are manufactured domestically, boosting American jobs and providing a fairer landscape for trade.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of profess
Verb
  • Müller’s central argument has been that populism should primarily be defined as a movement in which a leader claims to represent a silenced or forgotten—and almost always exclusionary—majority.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The growth trajectory represents a 2.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025, with online video claiming the lion’s share at $9.4 billion.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, numerous Israeli political leaders express sympathy for Palestinians and assert that Israelis can only be secure when Palestinians are free.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of assert
Verb
  • Shortly before the end of Biden’s term in January, the Department of Education issued a fact sheet contending that Title IX applies to colleges’ direct payments to athletes reflecting revenue share/NIL.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The organization, which has paid the tax since 1972, contends that its work is rooted in Catholic values and mission and that the state is unfairly judging what counts as religious activity.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Intrigue in Read's case has only grown since the mistrial, as she's continued to share her story and proclaim her innocence.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Elk are being depleted by wolves, proclaim the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, all of which sued to block ESA protections.
    — Ted Williams, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 2025.

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