oath
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for oath, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use oath
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ath, from Proto-Germanic aithaz, meaning "oath".
Full origin of oath →Frequently asked questions
What does “oath” mean?
The word “oath” means a solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment. In plain terms, a formal, serious promise (as in a courtroom or ceremony), or, less commonly, a swear word.
How do you pronounce “oath”?
“Oath” is pronounced OHTH (/ˈoʊθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “oath” in a sentence?
Here is “oath” used in a sentence: “The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth.”
What is another word for “oath”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oath” include pledge, vow and avowal.
What part of speech is “oath”?
“Oath” is a noun.
Where does the word “oath” come from?
The word “oath” comes from Old English. From Old English ath, from Proto-Germanic aithaz, meaning "oath".
Is “oath” a common word?
“Oath” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “oath” have?
“Oath” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment.
What is the difference between an "oath" and an "affirmation"?
An oath is a solemn formal promise that often invokes something sacred, such as swearing on a holy book. An affirmation is a formal declaration with the same legal force but without any religious reference, offered by people who prefer not to swear by something sacred.
What is the difference between an "oath" and a "vow"?
Both are solemn promises, but a vow is usually a personal pledge of commitment, such as wedding vows or a vow of silence. An oath tends to be a formal, often public promise to tell the truth or fulfill a duty, frequently sworn before others or invoking something sacred.
Why is "oath" sometimes used to mean a swear word?
In its second sense, an oath is a curse word or swear word. This use comes from the way people once swore by sacred names in anger or surprise, so such exclamations became known as oaths, as in the phrase "muttering oaths."