Swear — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈswer/

Meaning & Definition of Swear

Swear (verb)

  1. to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
  2. to assert as true or promise under oath
  3. to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly

Swear (noun)

  1. oath, swear word

Swear (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to use offensive or indecent language

    "no one is allowed to swear in this house"

    similar: blaspheme, curse, cuss
    related: anathematize, confound, damn, execrate, imprecate, fulminate, rail, rant, revile

  2. to make a solemn declaration of intent

    "swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"

    similar: covenant, pledge, promise, vow, give one's word
    related: affiance, betroth, plight, troth, accede, agree, assent, consent, contract, engage, ensure, guarantee, undertake, affirm, assert, aver, avouch, avow, declare, insist, warrant

  3. to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact

    "the sworn statement of the witness was presented as evidence"

    similar: attest, depose, testify, witness, bear witness
    related: verify, vouch, promise, vow

Swear (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a disrespectful or indecent word or expression

    "can't you express your frustration without using swears?"

    similar: curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, expletive, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swearword, vulgarism
    related: bawdry, language, scurrility, execration, imprecation, malediction, epithet, name, oath

Related Entry: Swear in (verb)

Swear in is a different word from Swear. The synonyms below are for swear in, not for swear.

  1. as in install, initiate

    similar: inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, affirm, confirm, validate, allow, let, permit, approve, clear, credential, endorse, OK, sanction, enfranchise, entitle, privilege, accredit, authorize, certify, charter (British), commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify, vest, warrant
    opposite: disqualify, ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Swear

The most common words with a similar meaning to Swear:

blaspheme, curse, cuss, covenant, pledge, promise, vow, attest, depose, testify, witness, give one's word, bear witness, cussword, dirty word, expletive, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swearword, vulgarism

Related Words for Swear

anathematize, confound, damn, execrate, imprecate, fulminate, rail, rant, revile, affiance, betroth, plight, troth, accede, agree, assent, consent, contract, engage, ensure, guarantee, undertake, affirm, assert, aver, avouch, avow, declare, insist, warrant

Word Forms of Swear

Inflections: swore, sworn, swearing

Derived words: swearer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Swear

Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; akin to Old High German swerien to swear and perhaps to Old Church Slavic svarŭ quarrel

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Swear

Words & Phrases Containing Swear

swear blind, swear by, swear for, swear in, swear off, swear out

Frequently Asked Questions about Swear

What does "Swear" mean?

"Swear" means to utter or take solemnly (an oath). As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to utter or take solemnly (an oath). It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Swear"?

Other words for "Swear" include blaspheme, curse, cuss, covenant, pledge, promise, vow and attest. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Swear" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Swear"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Swear". Common alternatives include blaspheme, curse, cuss, covenant, pledge, promise, vow, attest, depose and testify.

How do you use "Swear" in a sentence?

Examples of "Swear" in a sentence: "no one is allowed to swear in this house"; "swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth"; "the sworn statement of the witness was presented as evidence".

Is "Swear" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Swear" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Swear" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Swear" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Swear"?

"Swear" is pronounced /ˈswer/.

What is the origin of the word "Swear"?

"Swear" comes from Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; akin to Old High German swerien to swear and perhaps to Old Church Slavic svarŭ quarrel. First known use: before 12th centuryt.