Definitions

profess

[pruh-fes] / prəˈfɛs /

VERB

declare, assert

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acknowledge admit affirm avow confess feign pretend proclaim stump

STRONG

allege announce asseverate aver avouch certify claim confirm croon depose dissemble fake maintain own predicate purport sing spiel spout state vouch

WEAK

act as if blow hot air come out constate cross heart get off chest get on soapbox make out open up own up say so soapbox swear on bible swear up and down talk big

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal deny disavow disown dispute hide refuse renounce repudiate

STRONG

be quiet contradict invalidate question reject

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.

Similarly, those in the media or the foreign policy establishment who profess dismay that China’s rulers now view the U.S. as a global equal are also failing to observe the obvious.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Even as they profess admiration for one another’s work, Ruth, Jay and Leigh sink into a bog of miscommunication and antagonism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Both Melling and Lighton profess gratitude that a star of Skarsgård’s profile wanted to be part of “Pillion.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Liebling didn’t profess to be the best wordsmith who ever lived, but he did say that he could write faster than anyone who could write better.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Tony didn’t profess to know his son very well.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Vocabulary lists containing profess

Words That Could Go Either Way: Synonyms for "Maybe"

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"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell

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The Taming of the Shrew

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