affirm

verb

ə-ˈfərm How to pronounce affirm (audio)
Definition of affirmnext
1
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully unwilling to affirm without further study that the painting is an original Rembrandt

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to declare
to state clearly and strongly our business partner affirmed his trust in us, and we in turn promised not to let him down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affirm distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of affirm are assert, avow, declare, and protest. While all these words mean "to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection," affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

When would assert be a good substitute for affirm?

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

asserted that modern music is just noise

When might avow be a better fit than affirm?

Although the words avow and affirm have much in common, avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

When can declare be used instead of affirm?

While the synonyms declare and affirm are close in meaning, declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

When is it sensible to use protest instead of affirm?

The words protest and affirm are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 affirm The Supreme Court has long affirmed that incarceration does not erase constitutional protections. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 The Dalai Lama, in turn, affirms the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama after the officeholder dies. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025 There are plenty of other ways to compliment and affirm people. – Mad Mama Related Articles Asking Eric: Best friend is catastrophizing about everything Asking Eric: Niece’s visit tests generosity Dear Mama: Hear, hear. —R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Cautious optimism grew earlier in the week as the twice-daily health updates affirmed that the pope was eating solid food, sitting up in his armchair, and even taking care of simple work tasks from the comfort of his hospital room. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for affirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affirm
  1. insist
  2. declare
  3. allege
  4. assert
  5. claim
  6. proclaim
  7. maintain
  8. profess
Verb
  • Public officials who insisted such efforts were impossible, in an instant, demonstrated that a cleaner, safer city was always within reach.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Dutchman was constantly shoehorned into an attacking midfield role that doesn’t bring out his best characteristics, yet Motta insisted on deploying him there.
    — Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • What was a eulogy if not a last chance to declare thoughts and feelings that have been withheld?
    — David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • On Saturday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, citing potentially record rainfall in areas unaccustomed to flooding.
    — Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of declare
Verb
  • Osasuna have filed an appeal to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) alleging Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play in their 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Thursday.
    — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The 38-year-old took to Instagram to hit back at a comment about his father following Variety's report alleging that Marc Platt flew to New York to speak with Zegler over her politics.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of allege
Verb
  • Plaintiffs’ counsel offered a brief rationale in their motion to approve the deal, asserting that the CFP is an affiliated entity of the defendants, which include the NCAA and the quintet of athletic conferences formerly known as the Power Five.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, numerous Israeli political leaders express sympathy for Palestinians and assert that Israelis can only be secure when Palestinians are free.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of assert
Verb
  • Müller’s central argument has been that populism should primarily be defined as a movement in which a leader claims to represent a silenced or forgotten—and almost always exclusionary—majority.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The growth trajectory represents a 2.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025, with online video claiming the lion’s share at $9.4 billion.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Intrigue in Read's case has only grown since the mistrial, as she's continued to share her story and proclaim her innocence.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Elk are being depleted by wolves, proclaim the Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, all of which sued to block ESA protections.
    — Ted Williams, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of proclaim
Verb
  • The Trump administration’s policies have led to actions such as the withdrawal of federal funding from institutions maintaining DEI programs.
    — Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Other strains of bacteria can help maintain colonic health.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of maintain
Verb
  • Following an interview with TMZ from her room at the assisted living facility in which Williams professed to being in good mental health, NYPD officers performed a wellness check and subsequently escorted Williams to a hospital.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • You might feel called to profess your love, take next steps in your relationship, or start building your dream life in some actionable way.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of profess

Browse Nearby Words

affinity
affirm
affirmation
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Cite this Entry

“Affirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affirm. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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