Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ascertain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascertain are determine, discover, learn, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When is determine a more appropriate choice than ascertain?

The meanings of determine and ascertain largely overlap; however, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When would discover be a good substitute for ascertain?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascertain, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

In what contexts can learn take the place of ascertain?

The words learn and ascertain can be used in similar contexts, but learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

When can unearth be used instead of ascertain?

The words unearth and ascertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ascertain In terms of the mechanism of fungicidal action, through protein analysis, the researchers were able to ascertain that CBD and CBDV disrupted cell membranes and metabolism. Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025 Pavlov’s comments reflect a longstanding aspiration of the field of psychology to ascertain and verify bona fide means to augment the subjective aspects of mental health analysis with more exacting objective measures and precepts. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 This concentration was then used to ascertain the time-dependent effect of both cannabinoids. Paul McClure 14, New Atlas, 14 June 2025 Chemist Willard Libby developed this method — used to ascertain the age of organic materials — in the late 1940s at the University of Chicago. Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascertain
Verb
  • The bodies' heads were discovered nearby in a plastic bag, authorities said, according to the Associated Press.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Stay tuned to discover when Thunderbolts* will make its streaming debut on Disney+.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • In the past five years, the report found that new home listings in the state dropped by 64%; new housing construction permits fell by an average of 13%.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • This gap presents an important opportunity: Before realizing AI’s full potential, institutions must first build a foundation of trust, both internally and externally.
    Bruce Dahlgren, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realize there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The key is to know yourself and schedule a vacation that fits you, not to overthink (and over-plan) things, and learn from your mistakes.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The jail currently offers programs for inmates to learn construction or culinary skills.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • According to statements from camp officials and survivors, Eastland was last seen leading a group of girls from a cabin trying to get them to safety.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Chicago O’Hare, one of the world’s busiest airports, saw nearly 114,000 passengers, also a record.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The Hunter Woods subdivision would be located near the $1 billion Microsoft data center that is going to be built there.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to help Facebook locate your account and start the recovery process.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The judge can be heard flipping through pages over the microphone.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • As Byron, 17, crossed the stage to get his diploma, his relatives clapped and cheered, determined to stay strong for him.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
  • The authors determined that women’s romantic competence impacted both partners’ capacity for expressing positive emotions that support closeness.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ascertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/ascertain. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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