protestation

noun

pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprä-tə-ˈstā-shən How to pronounce protestation (audio)
ˌprō-,
-ˌte-
: the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal

Examples of protestation in a Sentence

Despite his protestations to the contrary, he appears to be guilty. the governor went on television to make a passionate protestation of his innocence in the bribery scandal
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 all his protestations that these were kids’ flicks, one of the beauties of the prequels was the sense that the director’s primary audience for all these films was himself. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 The second half of the play unfolds as a series of arguments and sales pitches and insults and protestations over who did what or who might have done what or who needs what the most. Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025 Even as his pain intensified and his leg grew worse without adequate blood flow, he was not immediately relocated to an intensive care unit, but was instead moved for several days between post-anesthesia units, despite Lisa Wolff’s protestations, the suit said. Tony Saavedra, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025 But young, naive Frederic actually finds his soulmate in Mabel, despite the protestations of his nanny Ruth. Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protestation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Protestation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protestation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

protestation

noun
pro·​tes·​ta·​tion ˌprät-əs-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce protestation (audio)
ˌprō-ˌtes-
1
: the act of protesting
2
: a positive declaration
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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