swear
verb
\ ˈswer
\
\
swore\ ˈswȯr
\;
sworn\ ˈswȯrn
\;
swearing
\;
sworn\ ˈswȯrn
\;
swearing
Definition of swear
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
2a
: to assert as true or promise under oath
a sworn affidavit swore to uphold the Constitution
b
: to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly
swore he'd study harder next time
3a
: to put to an oath : administer an oath to
b
: to bind by an oath
swore them to secrecy
4
obsolete
: to invoke the name of (a sacred being) in an oath
5
: to bring into a specified state by swearing
swore his life away
swear
nounDefinition of swear (Entry 2 of 2)
: oath, swear word
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms for swear
Synonyms: Verb
Synonyms: Noun
curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, expletive, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swearword, vulgarism
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of swear in a Sentence
Verb
He swore revenge on the killers. I swear to God, I'll kill him if he comes back. Don't swear in front of the children. I do solemnly swear to tell the whole truth.Noun
I heard him say a swear. can't you express your frustration without using swears?
Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Rumors of Thammanat’s arrest circulated in July before he was sworn into his post in Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government. — BostonGlobe.com, "Thai Cabinet minister denies drug conviction report - The Boston Globe," 11 Sep. 2019 Even if Mr Fernández wins outright in October (avoiding a run-off election), he will not be sworn into office until December. — The Economist, "In Argentina, Mauricio Macri's dying government mimics its opponents," 5 Sep. 2019 Census workers are sworn to protect such information. — Bill Lambrecht, ExpressNews.com, "Advocates push Census Bureau to prepare for security breaches, disinformation ahead of 2020 count," 30 Aug. 2019 Lightfoot was sworn into office shortly before the state legislative session ended and didn’t get a bailout from Springfield. — Gregory Pratt, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot 100 days in — reform at City Hall still a work in progress: ‘We haven’t declared victory, but I think we’ve taken some very positive steps’," 28 Aug. 2019 Kaul came before the committee Tuesday under requirements of new laws passed by Republicans in December shifting powers away from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Kaul before they were sworn into office. — Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Lame-duck fallout: State lawmakers met behind closed doors and they don't know why," 27 Aug. 2019 An appeal for bipartisanship efforts For the Republicans Finkenauer has worked with since being sworn into Congress, the lack of headlines surrounding her every movement is appealing. — Christal Hayes, USA TODAY, "She made history with AOC but Congress' second-youngest woman, Abby Finkenauer, is her own Democrat," 26 Aug. 2019 Since he was sworn into office, pro-business Bolsonaro has made significant cuts to Brazil's environmental enforcement agency at a cost amounting to $23 million, according to official data sent to CNN by Observatorio do Clima. — Kara Fox And Marina Lang, CNN, "Brazil's Bolsanaro says he 'loves' the Amazon. But his policies are designed to wreak havoc on it," 25 Aug. 2019 The clip went viral, the young Shapiro shot to fame, and — in the eyes of their respective followings — the two men were henceforth sworn enemies. — Madeleine Kearns, National Review, "How to Be a Popular Pundit," 21 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The big fireworks show in DC comes Thursday night, replete with Abrams tanks, flyovers by stealth jets - a B-2 bomber, F-22 Raptor and F-35 fighter --and a presidential speech that the White House pinky-swears won't be overtly partisan. — Dallas News, "Castro rises in poll, outrage over Texas immigration detention centers grows, new Dallas voting plan," 4 July 2019 Didn't everyone on the Top 100 list swear at some point in their lives?—and Chrissy shut them down immediately. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Chrissy Teigen Is Named a TIME Most Influential Person—and Gets a Hilarious, Fan-Made Cover," 18 Apr. 2019 Two hero skin-care products Paltrow swears by are Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanical Serum and Goop's Exfoliating Instant Facial, both of which could definitely contribute to her flawless complexion. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Gwyneth Paltrow Just Posted a Makeup-Free Selfie Après Ski, and She’s Glowing," 27 Mar. 2019 Chemical repellents have long been considered the best way to ward off mosquitoes and ticks, but many swear by foods and other deterrents rumored to be less toxic. — Heidi Mitchell, WSJ, "Is There an Alternative Way to Prevent Bug Bites?," 28 July 2018 While studies have yet to confirm the claims, some swear by the product's ability to alleviate allergies, soothe stress, and promote better sleep. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Those Himalayan Salt Lamps Everyone's Obsessed With Now Come in Skull Form," 25 Sep. 2018 From a lazy bun that's perfect for a quick hair change to the mascara that many swear by, some of our favorite makeup finds have started with just a pin. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Purple Eyeshadow Is Trending on Pinterest," 21 Aug. 2018 But this list is a mix of cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup that real people with rosacea swear by. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "16 Skin-Care Products Women With Rosacea Love," 14 May 2018 But fans of the stinky fruit swear by the sweet-yet-savory taste of the durian's mushy pulp, which can be scooped out and eaten raw or used in a number of Southeast Asian recipes, especially in desserts. — Melinda Morris, NOLA.com, "Who boils the best crawfish in metro New Orleans? It's the last day to vote," 30 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'swear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for swear
swear
verb
English Language Learners Definition of swear
: to state (something) very strongly and sincerely