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 Tens of thousands of the faithful joined curious tourists to gather on the square to hear the words of the first American pope, a Chicago native, avowed White Sox fan − and longtime Francis confidant. —John Bacon, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Jelly Roll has long been a loud, avowed Eminem fan. —Brian McCollum, USA Today, 20 May 2025 Nigel and Isaac had post-Revolutionary War love They were avowed enemies of war: American Revolutionary War veteran Isaac Higgintoot (Brandon Scott Jones) and British officer Nigel Chessum (John Hartman) found unlikely love in Season 2. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Jennifer Lawrence, Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are all avowed Doona-heads. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 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
  • The club insisted Isak was left behind because of a minor thigh problem but The Athletic reported on Thursday sources, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to do so publicly, indicated the forward favoured being omitted amid his uncertain future.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the national security laws were necessary for the city's stability.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Despite suspicions of foul play from both U.S. and Zambian officials, local police declared Bianca’s death the result of an accidental discharge of a firearm.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • The arrival of the aforementioned seafood tray is the last straw, and Laurel declares the meal over.
    — Sara Netzley, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • Prosecutors alleged Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, believed an apocalypse was imminent and people around them were evil zombies.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • Neymar has alleged that a fan called him a mercenary and spoke about his family and friends after Santos’ 2-1 home defeat by Internacional on Wednesday.
    — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Definition of allege
Verb
  • More than a half-century after his assassination, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to stoke suspicion—both of his death and of the United States’ professed moral footing.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 28 July 2025
  • The competition also professes to stand out thanks to its unique evaluation format.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of profess
Verb
  • But while water is, of course, needed to sustain populations, its unpredictability and tendency to flood can also claim lives.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 28 July 2025
  • Today, she was provided a better opportunity to claim her second world title in Singapore.
    — Paras J. Haji, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Brown denies the allegations, and her attorney asserts her innocence, while the city seeks restitution and damages.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • In his letter, Donovan asserted that the Chiefs had submitted a proposal to the state and received no response for six weeks — a claim Kelly administration officials dispute.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
Definition of assert
Verb
  • In its petition to the Travis County state District Court, IGT contends that donating to a caucus is not the same as contributing to a political campaign.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Hatfield contended that violated the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys as well as Texas law, rendering the Nunez contract invalid and unenforceable, Brooks' opinion states.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2025
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Indeed the film has become a cultural touchstone over the years, with many of the leading lights in the world of women’s soccer proclaiming Bend It Like Beckham as their main source of inspiration back in the day when the amateur antics of women playing soccer were laughed at.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 July 2025
  • Those who would argue that this abuse of power constitutes a crime should remember that Trump and his team have avidly proclaimed that presidents must have immunity from criminal prosecution for acts within the broad ambit of executive power.
    — The Editors, National Review, 24 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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