verb
1.
to state firmly, positively, or assuredly
he continued to assert his innocence
Synonyms: affirm, aver, avouch, avow, constate, declare, depose, predicate, profess, protest
Related Word: adduce, advance, allege, cite, claim, pretend; announce, broadcast, disseminate, proclaim, promulgate, publish, spread
Idioms: have it
Contrasted words: contradict, contravene, dispute, gainsay, negate, negative, traverse; confute, disprove, rebut, refute
Antonyms: deny; controvert
2.
Synonyms: maintain 2, argue, claim, contend, defend, justify, vindicate, warrant
Related Word: declare, express, utter, voice; advance, state, stipulate, submit