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
But there is a suggestion the Italy midfielder is open to leaving St James' Park this summer, with his representatives understood to be scoping out the market to ascertain which clubs may be interested.
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
Investors, investment advisers and government agencies charged with enforcing fiduciary responsibility need reliable independent data to ascertain whether investments achieve their noneconomic goals and promised rates of return.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 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
As if he wished to ascertain that the person addressing him was actually a creature of flesh and bone, a human being with a body and a belly.
From "Night" by Elie Wiesel
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
