ascertain
Usage
What are other ways to say ascertain?
To ascertain is to verify facts by inquiry or analysis: to ascertain the truth about an event. To learn is to add to one's knowledge or information: to learn a language. The verb discover is used with objective clauses as a synonym of learn in order to suggest that the new information acquired is surprising to the learner: I discovered that she had been married before. To detect implies becoming aware of something that had been obscure, secret, or concealed: to detect a flaw in reasoning.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Officials said they are also in communication with authorities to ascertain the cause of death, obtain the complete medical record and review the circumstances surrounding the death.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
Investors are becoming increasingly nervous about problems mounting in the $3 trillion private credit market where some creditworthiness is deteriorating in some sectors and truthful valuations are hard to ascertain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026
In her separate opinion, Jackson began with the congressional reports in order to ascertain “Congress’ objective” before going to the statute’s text, reversing the order of Kagan’s analysis.
From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026
“With an asset this volatile, it’s impossible to ascertain when and where the bottom lies,” says Clark Bellin, president and chief investment officer at Bellwether Wealth.
From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026
Here the door was partly open; she opened it somewhat more—enough to ascertain that the office was filled only with shadow—but she did not think the Clutters would appreciate her “barging right in.”
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
