assent 1 of 2

Definition of assentnext

assent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word assent distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of assent are accede, acquiesce, agree, consent, and subscribe. While all these words mean "to concur with what has been proposed," assent implies an act involving the understanding or judgment and applies to propositions or opinions.

voters assented to the proposal

When might accede be a better fit than assent?

The meanings of accede and assent largely overlap; however, accede implies a yielding, often under pressure, of assent or consent.

officials acceded to the prisoners' demands

When is acquiesce a more appropriate choice than assent?

While in some cases nearly identical to assent, acquiesce implies tacit acceptance or forbearance of opposition.

acquiesced to his boss's wishes

When would agree be a good substitute for assent?

The synonyms agree and assent are sometimes interchangeable, but agree sometimes implies previous difference of opinion or attempts at persuasion.

finally agreed to come along

In what contexts can consent take the place of assent?

In some situations, the words consent and assent are roughly equivalent. However, consent involves the will or feelings and indicates compliance with what is requested or desired.

consented to their daughter's going

When can subscribe be used instead of assent?

While the synonyms subscribe and assent are close in meaning, subscribe implies not only consent or assent but hearty approval and active support.

subscribes wholeheartedly to the idea

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 assent
Verb
China has built Russia’s defense industrial base, helped Iran provide Russia with one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, and assented as North Korea has sent troops to fight in Europe. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2025 Putin did not agree to a full ceasefire, which Trump has proposed and which Ukraine had assented to earlier. Joshua Keating, Vox, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
Convening a special session without the governor’s assent requires the support of two-thirds of lawmakers in the House and Senate. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 So, yes, as unworkable as this plan might seem for the Palestinian group, a Hamas assent is entirely plausible. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune says the length of a stopgap bill depends on what Democrats agree to.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.
    Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And acquiescence can be contagious.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Even if clemency led the White House to dial back the ongoing efforts to punish Colorado, acquiescence today only invites future harassment.
    Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Lacks did not consent to the taking of her cells, nor was her family made aware of their use in medical research until decades after her death.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The Fourth Amendment generally requires a judge’s warrant or consent for law enforcement to enter a private residence.
    Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At that meeting, the village's Judiciary, Personnel and Licensing Committee recommended approval of Lalor's alcohol beverage license application.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Recent reports show that SpaceX is seeking approval to send as many as a million orbital data centers to space.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Health officials are working to secure more agreements with pharmaceutical companies to expand the selection of prescription drugs on the platform.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The truth is that the chief has not adequately addressed questions related to the implementation of the agreement.
    Thomas Kennedy, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The City Council voted to approve several items, including a lawsuit settlement and the acceptance of road improvement funds.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There has never been, and shouldn't be, any acceptance within our body politic of a foreign policy shorn of moral concerns.
    Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If the deadline had passed without Senate confirmation, Hall would have been banned from serving on the police board for life under state law.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The email and invitation offered confirmation.
    Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Our nation depends on independent journalism, investigative reporting and an affirmation of salient facts so policymakers can make critical decisions that shape society in America and across the world.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In 2024-25, the Carabao Cup brought Newcastle glory and affirmation.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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