PROTEST Synonyms: 182 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

protest 1 of 2

noun

ˈprō-ˌtest

Definition of protest next

as in objection

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent submitted an official protest about her treatment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

protest

2 of 2

verb

prə-ˈtest

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully he protested that he usually was very good at baseball, and all the strikeouts were just bad luck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to object

to present an opposing opinion or argument plans to protest against the judge's ruling regarding admissible evidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In San Francisco, the Chronicle reported residents from not only the city but also Oakland and other Bay Area locations were participating in the protest, either by holding a rally or closing shop. —

Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 The mass protests come on the same weekend that U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as 10% on those from China. —

Tom Tapp, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025

Verb

Videos posted on social media showed hundreds gathering outside NYU Langone in Manhattan Monday night to protest hospitals pausing gender-affirming care for minors. —

Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025 The Continental Congress appealed to the province of Quebec to send delegates south to join the American colonies in protesting against the British Parliament’s passage of the Coercive Acts. —

Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for protest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest

Noun

This time, Saudi Arabia may be willing to enter a deal in exchange for Israel dropping its objections to the PA taking control of Gaza.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Barring an objection being filed by Tuesday, the court would be expected to direct the lower court to hold a bail hearing for Stubblefield, which his defense team intends to schedule as soon as possible.

— Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025