affirmation

noun

af·​fir·​ma·​tion ˌa-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce affirmation (audio)
Synonyms of affirmation
1
a
: the act of affirming
nodded his head in affirmation
b
: something affirmed : a positive assertion
His memoir is a reflective affirmation of family love.
2
law : a solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury by a person who conscientiously declines taking an oath

Synonyms of affirmation

Relevance
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Examples of affirmation in a Sentence

a sworn affirmation that he had never acted as a spy for the enemy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once it's made, Soddu holds a ceremony to bless and activate the piece according to the intention, then passes along guidance on how and when to wear it and use its affirmation. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 Since its inception in 2022, Doggyland has produced a variety of educational songs about affirmations, letters, numbers, colors, animals, good habits and accepting others. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 More than a hundred shirts line the walls, each featuring a personal letter thanking Potts for his tutelage and affirmation. — Pj Green october 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 Rather than cloture, the midterm elections may bring affirmation of a rolling building ban. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for affirmation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English affirmacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French affirmation, affermacion, borrowed from Latin affirmātiōn-, affirmātiō, from affirmāre "to affirm" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of affirmation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing affirmation

Rhymes for affirmation

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Browse Nearby Words

affirmance
affirmation
affirmation of the consequent
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Cite this Entry

“Affirmation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affirmation. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on affirmation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about affirmation

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