Swear

/ˈswɛə(ɹ)/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To take an oath, to promise intensely, solemnly, and/or with legally binding effect..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive) To take an oath, to promise intensely, solemnly, and/or with legally binding effect.
2. (transitive) To take an oath that an assertion is true.
3. (transitive) To promise intensely that something is true; to strongly assert.
4. (transitive) To administer an oath to (a person).
5. (ambitransitive) To use offensive, profane, or obscene language.
6. A swear word.
7. (Northern England, Scotland) Heavy.
8. (Northern England, Scotland) Top-heavy; too high.

Example Sentences

The knight swore not to return to the palace until he had found the treasure.

The witness swore that the person she had seen running out of the bank was a foot shorter than the accused.

I swear I don't know what you're talking about.

My little brother is such a pest, I swear.

The Bat—they called him the Bat.[…]. He'd never been in stir, the bulls had never mugged him, he didn't run with a mob, he played a lone hand, and fenced his stuff so that even the fence couldn't swear he knew his face.

Let the witness be sworn.

An Australian was once appointed on contract, but he swore too much.

You might think it funny to hear this Kanaka girl come out with a big swear. No such thing. There was no swearing in her — no, nor anger; she was beyond anger, and meant the word simple and serious.

Synonyms for swear

Antonyms for swear

Related Words

Word Forms

• swears
• swearing
• swore
• sware
• sworn
• swearer
• more swear
• swearest
• most swear
• sweer
• sweir
• swere
• sweared

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions