protest

1 of 2

noun

pro·test ˈprō-ˌtest

Synonyms of protest next

: a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of dissent: such as

: a sworn declaration that payment of a note or bill has been refused and that all responsible signers or debtors are liable for resulting loss or damage

: a declaration made especially before or while paying that a tax is illegal and that payment is not voluntary

: the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval

resigned in protest

especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval

: a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness usually to an idea or a course of action

went under protest

: an objection made to an official or a governing body of a sport

protest

2 of 2

verb

pro·test prə-ˈtest

ˈprō-ˌtest,

prō-ˈtest

protested; protesting; protests

transitive verb

: to make solemn declaration or affirmation of

protest my innocence

: to execute or have executed a formal protest against (something, such as a bill or note)

: to make a statement or gesture in objection to

protested the abuses of human rights

intransitive verb

: to make a protestation

: to make or enter a protest

protester noun

or protestor

prə-ˈte-stər

ˈprō-ˌte-,

prō-ˈte-

Choose the Right Synonym for protest

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection.

assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence.

asserted that modern music is just noise

declare stresses open or public statement.

declared her support for the candidate

affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith.

affirmed the existence of an afterlife

protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt.

protested that he really had been misquoted

avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared.

avowed that all investors would be repaid in full

Examples of protest in a Sentence

Noun He heard protests from the crowd. She told him to go to bed despite his protests that he wasn't tired. There were cries of protest when the verdict was announced. The suspect surrendered his gun without protest. She was so upset by their decision that she resigned in protest. The students launched a protest against the tuition increase. Verb The victim's family protested at the judge's sentence. There is no use protesting. I will not change my mind. The coach protested the referee's call. The decision was protested by dozens of people. Students protested at the civil rights rally. They were protesting against the death penalty. Peace activists protested the war. She protested that the law was unfair. “But I'm innocent!” he protested.

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.

Noun

Organizers at another protest held by leftist Jewish groups condemning the gala told NBC News police shut down their rally. —

Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 In October 2023, students led a walkout in protest after video showing students using a racist slur spread through the school. —

Krissy Waite, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

Verb

In response, hundreds of people jammed the hallways of the state Capitol in Baton Rouge on Sunday to protest the move, which would threaten thousands of film jobs. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 Last year, neo-Nazis carrying a swastika flag protested a drag brunch at Land-Grant Brewing Company meant to benefit LGBTQ+ resource organization Kaleidoscope Youth Center. —

Andrew King, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protest

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from protester

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French protester, from Latin protestari, from pro- forth + testari to call to witness — more at pro-, testament

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of protest was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Protest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protest. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

protest

1 of 2 noun

pro·test ˈprō-ˌtest

: a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness or disapproval

protest

2 of 2 verb

pro·test prə-ˈtest

ˈprō-ˌtest,

prō-ˈtest

: to declare positively : assert

protested their innocence

: to make a protest against

protested the higher tax rate

: to object strongly

protest against a new highway

protester noun

or protestor

-ˈtes-tər

-tes-

Medical Definition

protest

see masculine protest

Legal Definition

protest

noun

pro·test

: a solemn declaration of opinion and usually of disagreement: as

: a solemn written declaration by a notary public or U.S. consul on behalf of the holder of an instrument (as a note) announcing dishonor and declaring the liability of all parties to the instrument for any loss or damage arising from such action

also : the action of making or causing to be made such a declaration with due service of notice of dishonor

: a declaration made by the master of a ship before a notary, consul, or other authorized officer upon arrival in port after a disaster declaring that any loss was not the fault of the crew but due to the disaster

: a declaration made by a party especially before or while paying a tax or performing a demanded act by which the declarer asserts that the justice or legality of the tax or act is disputed and that compliance is not voluntary

: the act of objecting or a gesture of disapproval

especially : a usually organized public demonstration of disapproval

protest verb

Last Updated: 22 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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protest

noun

verb

Synonyms

Examples of protest in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near protest

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

Legal Definition