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 In response, Trump and the White House started downplaying Friday’s summit, Trump and Putin’s first of Trump’s second administration, as an opportunity for Trump to ascertain whether peace between Russia and Ukraine is even possible, as opposed to negotiating a deal. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2025 Each buoy uses a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module to ascertain its geographical location. New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2025 The University of Wisconsin at Madison’s Center for Communication & Civic Renewal conducted a poll in December to ascertain what divides or unites voters in the Midwest. Russ Feingold, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 One of the key contributions of the study was the creation of a formula that can ascertain the effects of climate change on temperatures around the globe. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • Scientists studying this natural process discovered that the oyster adhesive creates a strong chemical interaction with surfaces and hardens quickly.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Avoiding new technology because it is assumed to be frustrating can keep employees from discovering tools that would make their work easier.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 23-year-old winger dropped from a career-high 57 points in 2023-24 to 45 last season, and finding ways to get him back on track is a top priority.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The laptop's standard 1600p screen is its standout feature, displaying superior detail and sharpness to the full HD panels often found in this price bracket.
    Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Few realize that the equinox marks peak season for the Northern Lights.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The realities inside nursing homes and assisted living communities are complex, often more so than families realize.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Students learn to leverage technology for creative problem-solving, not just consume it passively.
    Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • But while these shows have been praised for bringing awareness to the condition, women shouldn't learn about this common health problem from reality TV.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The slough, which can be seen from the BART pedestrian bridge that brings event attendees into the Coliseum grounds, also receives runoff from the Arroyo Viejo and Lion creeks, a pair of urban streams known for their pollution.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The Raiders had a chance to get even closer at the end of the half, but saw the clock run out after a Smith scramble to the five.
    Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The duration of a root canal depends on where the affected tooth is located and the degree of the infection.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Because disc golf is so easy to play — and easy to locate on just a few acres — people keep building disc golf courses.
    Nate Heinold, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones were heard trading barbs toward the end of their game on Sunday evening.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • That means investing in a culture where your employees feel heard, valued and trusted to lead.
    John Ganem, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After an initial jam session to determine musical abilities and interests, participants are paired up and assigned to a counselor who manages their activities for the week.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Reuters was unable to determine whether Pulte or administration officials are aware of Cook’s Atlanta loan estimate.
    Chris Prentice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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