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

“We profess to be the best in the world in this sport,” U.S. general manager Michael Hill said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

I profess no ultimate wisdom but that’s what I’m getting from the comments that they make.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

First, she had to stop fighting the Others, the term for the billions united in groupthink, and accept if not entirely trust that the collective love they profess to have for her is real.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2025

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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