Synonyms for vow
- noun
- verb
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
A solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner, especially a promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.
The old hermit, up in the mountains, took a vow of silence.
- v. 1
To make a vow; to promise.
Related words
- Phrases
- marriage vow wedding vow
Choose the right word
An oath is made to man in the name of God; a vow, to God without the intervention, often without the knowledge, of man.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- promise You have to make good the promise for your mother.
- swear When angry, count to four. When very angry, swear.
- pledge Five is too young to pledge allegiance to a flag.
- oath Ziri and Rima shook hands and swore a solemn oath.
- commitment Tom made a commitment to cooperate with a company.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| vow | rising | |
| promise | rising | |
| swear | rising | |
| pledge | falling | |
| oath | steady | |
| commitment | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- oath1
- 5 letters
- swear1, vouch1
- 6 letters
- pledge1, assert2, devote2, bename
- 7 letters
- promise2
- 10 letters
- commitment3, consecrate3, asseverate
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (assert2 = 2 syllables).