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

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
Petro finally assented, after several former Colombian Presidents offered to help smooth things over, and the relationship calmed down. Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026 Key to the proposal, which is similar to one former President Joe Biden made more than a year ago, is Hamas assenting both to be disarmed and removed from governing Gaza. Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Once the bill has cleared all stages, it would then be sent to the monarch for royal assent before being passed on to each Commonwealth realm for approval. Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 Thus, weighing the burdens and benefits of treatment is best undertaken by parents, with their child’s assent and guided by clinician expertise. Amy Caruso Brown, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assent
Verb
  • Seeking offense, New York plans to designate Tommy Pham for assignment and has agreed to a major league contract with Austin Slater, a pair of people familiar with the move said, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decisions were not announced.
    Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Invite someone in, agree on a clear next step, and follow through together so momentum builds without confusion or mixed signals.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But as the sexist and racist nature of the MAGA machine has gained mainstream acquiescence if not acceptance, the need to keep up the appearance of diversity is less and less.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Moss’ dour expression, over-relied upon for silent exposition throughout six seasons, conveys terror in the here and now, as well as for a future where fear is replaced by acquiescence.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Under the agreement, Iran consented to limit its use of advanced centrifuges for 10 years, and to restrict uranium enrichment to below weapons-grade levels for 15 years.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The position requires approval from the Senate and comes with an ambassador title.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Russia’s reopening of its national pavilion—with the approval of Venice Biennale director Pietrangelo Buttafuoco—has sparked acrimony across the European art world and political sphere.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • On April 14th, as Kyiv braced for a round of Russian strikes, the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, was seven hundred and fifty miles away, in Berlin, forging a defense agreement with Germany, part of a tour of European allies to raise support for military aid.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear agreement, confirm who’s responsible, and follow through so everything stays consistent without needing to be reset later.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These Allswifit Slip-On Sneakers earned a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, along with glowing reviews from hairstylists, healthcare workers, and Disney park-goers alike.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Jimbo is a storyteller and clown with a message of love, tolerance and acceptance.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Lilly and Novo commended the FDA's confirmation that there is no clinical need to compound these drugs.
    Mariam Sunny, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Lilly and ​Novo commended the FDA’s confirmation that there is no clinical need to compound these drugs.
    Reuters, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That is a notable affirmation of local land-use authority — notable because, for at least the past decade, the Legislature has steadily moved in the opposite direction.
    Haley Busch, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This project is designed as an affirmation at a time when the neighborhood is often reduced to headlines.
    Daily News, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Assent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assent. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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