assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
Synonyms of assistance
: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid
financial and technical assistance
Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms of assistance

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Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated. I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.
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.
There’s no torque vectoring or front-axle assistance here, decisions designed to give the car the purest possible feel. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026 More than 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 It was translated from the original German version with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editors. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 7 July 2026 Robyn Schlice, a member of the church’s farmworker ministry, said the funds will support school supply drives, a computer literacy program, rental assistance and monthly distributions of clothing, food and household items. — Eliana Aguilar, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing assistance

Rhymes for assistance

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Browse Nearby Words

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assistance
assistance dog
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Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

assistance

noun
as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: the act of assisting
also : the help given

More from Merriam-Webster on assistance

Nglish: Translation of assistance for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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