protest 1 of 2

noun

ˈprō-ˌtest How to pronounce protest (audio)
Definition of protestnext
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 How to pronounce protest (audio)
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to object
to present an opposing opinion or argument plans to protest against the judge's ruling regarding admissible evidence

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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
Its contours were nearly identical to this year’s: misconduct by a conservative President, months of mass protests, impeachment, removal, criminal prosecution, and the election of a liberal replacement—Moon Jae-in, who, like Lee, had been a human-rights lawyer. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 4 June 2025 The humble statement was met with loud protests from all of his onstage colleagues, as well as Armisen. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
Mass emigration since 2021 has drained the island of young people — the ones most likely to protest. —Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025 Botafogo players instantly protested, the goal was disallowed and Neymar was booked. —Ali Rampling, New York Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for protest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for protest
  1. objection
  2. insist
  3. object
  4. complaint
  5. allege
  6. complain
  7. exception
  8. claim
Noun
  • Several Republicans have already expressed objections to the legislation as approved by the House.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025
  • Product joined to hear objections directly from the field.
    — Aaron Biggs, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Definition of objection
Verb
  • Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will.
    — Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
Definition of insist
Verb
  • If the employer objects, courts would be required to issue an injunction to legally bar the employee from working.
    — Sam Peak, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • Reese objected to Clark’s rough penalty, aggressively responded after the play, and verbally lashed out at the Fever’s star player.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
Definition of object
Noun
  • The report echoes complaints shared throughout the industry, including by the world’s largest European soccer streamer, DAZN.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • The complaint alleged the men locked O.C.G. in a room for several days and released him only after his sister paid a ransom.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2025
Definition of complaint
Verb
  • The girl’s family alleged the incident was a hate crime.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
  • The gun malfunctioned when Huff pulled the trigger, Assistant District Attorney Rob Moran alleged in court on Tuesday, ultimately saving O'Donnell's life.
    — Chris Spargo, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of allege
Verb
  • Many complain about a lack of tort reform, unrestricted attorney advertising or litigation funding, all of which contribute significantly to the scam.
    — Robert Tyson, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer’s performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey’s loud playing was throwing him off.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 May 2025
Definition of complain
Noun
  • All but one have flown atop Falcon 9s; the lone exception was GPS III SV-02, which rode a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket to space in August 2019.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • The exception was fourth-round receiver Jordan Watkins, who caught three passes — two from Purdy — in the practice.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of exception
Verb
  • Andrew is also facing a separate civil suit by four British women, who accused him of rape and physical abuse and claimed police and prosecutors failed them by not pursuing criminal charges years ago.
    — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 29 May 2025
  • But unscrupulous preparers convince taxpayers to claim the credit to receive a large refund.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of claim

Browse Nearby Words

protégés
protest
protestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/protest. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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