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
Her parents then took no measures to ascertain if the infection had been passed on and did not arrange for any medical visits or any vaccinations for their child.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 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
Karlshorst's representative in the assembly of the city-state of Berlin, Ukrainian-born Lilia Usik, has over the past two years been trying to ascertain if the buildings can be seized or possibly used to help Ukraine.
From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026
But I am not at all certain it will be possible to ascertain their whereabouts at this stage.'
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
