profess

verb

pro·​fess prə-ˈfes How to pronounce profess (audio)
prō-
professed; professing; professes
Synonyms of profess

transitive verb

1
: to receive formally into a religious community following a novitiate by acceptance of the required vows
2
a
: to declare or admit openly or freely : affirm
b
: to declare in words or appearances only : pretend, claim
3
: to confess one's faith in or allegiance to
4
a
: to practice or claim to be versed in (a calling or profession)
b
: to teach as a professor

intransitive verb

1
: to make a profession or avowal
2
obsolete : to profess friendship

Synonyms of profess

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Examples of profess in a Sentence

He professes confidence in his friend. They profess loyalty to the king.
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.
For arrivals willing to submit to the experimental, ever-evolving social structure, and to the limitations that were placed on newcomers, the technologically superior Eiquans professed an indifference that amounted to a willing welcome. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The film follows André and Howery as two best friends who embark on a road trip to New York City so that André’s character can profess his love to his high school crush. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 This is not the first time that the trio of Boy Meets World alums have professed their frustrations with the reboot show since beginning their rewatch. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2026 Millions of votes are not yet cast, and anyone professing to know exactly what's going to happen is lying. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profess

Word History

Etymology

in sense 1, from Middle English, from profes, adjective, having professed one's vows, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin professus, from Latin, past participle of profitēri to profess, confess, from pro- before + fatēri to acknowledge; in other senses, from Latin professus, past participle — more at confess

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

Rhymes for profess

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Browse Nearby Words

profert
profess
professant
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Cite this Entry

“Profess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profess. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

profess

verb
pro·​fess prə-ˈfes How to pronounce profess (audio)
1
: to declare openly or freely
profess confidence in a friend
2
: pretend entry 1 sense 1, claim
professed to be our friends
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