protest 1 of 2

protest

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word protest distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of protest are affirm, assert, avow, and declare. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

When can affirm be used instead of protest?

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

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for protest?

While in some cases nearly identical to protest, assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

When is avow a more appropriate choice than protest?

The words avow and protest can be used in similar contexts, but avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When is it sensible to use declare instead of protest?

Although the words declare and protest have much in common, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

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 protest
Noun
Target Because of its full embrace of DEI after the George Floyd protests rocked its Minneapolis headquarters hometown in 2020, Target (TGT+0.13%) is perhaps feeling the biggest backlash for rolling back its policies. Kevin Williams, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2025 More protests broke out on Thursday at New York City's Barnard College after a group of more than 50 anti-Israel agitators took over a building on campus the day before. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
Politicians historically have used their State of the Union plus-ones to promote or protest federal policies. Jessica Boehm, Axios, 1 Mar. 2025 Students at the Pensacola campus have protested Yenor. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
Noun
  • The Missouri Senate on Monday easily approved a state takeover plan for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department over the objections of the city's mayor and local senators.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Many Israelis see Gazan emigration as a good idea but not practical There has been little vocal objection from prominent opposition politicians in Israel.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Against the advice of Sinatra, Cal hits the button, insisting the people of America need a chance to survive.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Undeterred, Budden continued, insisting that animals find the interactions as pleasurable.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When its inspector general objected to Trump’s efforts to kill it, Trump fired him, too.
    Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The discovery could also challenge our understanding of how Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) form.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Carpenter said complaints could have already fallen off the calendar because of the delay in hiring a director.
    Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Nguyen reached down to pick up his shot glass and Vang punched him once, striking him in the shoulder and face, the complaint says.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans allege that Zelensky's Pennsylvania visit was improper campaign support for then-Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Kamala Harris, despite Zelensky's insistence that the visit was diplomatic in nature.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • For too long, as alleged in the Complaint, the Board has abused its power, violating Florida law and its own governing documents while gaslighting members who invest millions in memberships and annual dues.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While many people who renounced their citizenship complained of being unhappy with the political climate in the US, another reason for their decision is often taxes, Alistair Bambridge, a partner at Bambridge Accountants, told CNN in August 2020.
    Edward Szekeres, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed dramatically with the Ukrainian leader in the Oval Office Friday after Zelenskyy complained about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But each time the tariffs were slated to take effect, calls with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum kept the tariffs at bay — or provided exceptions for crucial cross-border industries, such as a one-month delay on tariffs for auto manufacturers.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Establishments in CityPlace and Downtown Doral, however, will be barred from obtaining the special exception.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Throughout the investigation, Picerno claimed Willis knew nothing about the men’s deaths.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Meghan Markle will never win over UK public again, author claims Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and author of My Mother and I, discusses how the Duchess of Sussex isnt going to be welcomed back across the pond anytime soon following her royal exit.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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