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
"Many of these individuals are seriously unwell, so it is quite difficult to ascertain detailed timelines of exactly where they've been and who they've been in close contact with."
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
AFP and SourceMaterial used trade data, including some supplied by T&E, shareholder agreements, and customs documents obtained through freedom of information requests to ascertain the identities of three of those arrested.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
Though not as rare as having a gold medal, becoming a single father via surrogacy is a pretty select distinction—so select, in fact, that it’s hard to ascertain the exact numbers.
From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026
“I have not been able to ascertain the supposed racial origin of all eighteen lines,” Gartler told the audience.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
Vocabulary lists containing ascertain
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