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

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

The two profess their love for each other.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Although they profess to be in this screwy loyalty gauntlet for similar reasons, not everyone’s impetus is the same.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2025

“To profess what?” asked the King of the Moat slowly, hardly opening his jaws and speaking through his nose.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Vocabulary lists containing profess

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Taming of the Shrew

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!