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.

“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

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

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

A man who wishes to profess goodness at all times will come to ruin among so many who are not good.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

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!

Pride

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!