assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
Synonyms of assistance
: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid
financial and technical assistance
Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms of assistance

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Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated. I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.
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.
The bike also has a programmable control system that can provide functions such as boost, wheel-lift assistance, speed limiting and what Bonnell calls E-Clutch functionality (more on that later). — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 Healthcare and social assistance is projected to add the most jobs of any major sector over the next decade. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Efforts are being stepped up to provide assistance to survivors in areas where roads and other transportation routes had been damaged or cut off. — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 In Arizona, this has resulted in more than 440,000 people being dropped from the program even though most still qualify for assistance. — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing assistance

Rhymes for assistance

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Browse Nearby Words

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assistance
assistance dog
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Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

assistance

noun
as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: the act of assisting
also : the help given
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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