avowal

noun

avow·​al ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce avowal (audio)
: an open declaration or acknowledgment

Examples of avowal in a Sentence

I didn't believe her avowal of innocence. The couple exchanged avowals of love.
Recent Examples on the Web One element that distinguishes the Protestant tradition from the other Abrahamic religions is its emphasis on public avowal. Ian Buruma, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023 The ritual of public avowals began in Europe with the Reformation. Ian Buruma, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023 Did the secret of this avowal loiter in the breast of a consecrated virgin? Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023 Poland, controlled alternately by Russia and Germany for much of the 20th century, was subject to such rule for decades, an experience that has informed an avowal and a consensus that the only way to prevail is to refuse to be dominated. Elisabeth Zerofsky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023 Trump’s continued appeal and perhaps that of his children — Donald Trump Jr. may have political ambitions, as may Ivanka Trump, whose recent avowal of pro-life views could foreshadow a future run for office as a Republican — is only part of the formula for a continuation of political warfare. Jonathan Tobin, Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2020 Curtains billow violently above the men below, waving hats and arms, focusing their energy on a standing figure who holds his right hand up in a solemn gesture of avowal. Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Federal law requires only an avowal of citizenship. Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 13 June 2022 Hoex’s narrator repeatedly demonstrates a desire to relinquish the human form—an avowal not of beastiality but of curiosity. Zoë Hu, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'avowal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of avowal was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near avowal

Cite this Entry

“Avowal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avowal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

avowal

noun
avow·​al ə-ˈvau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce avowal (audio)
: an open declaration or admission

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