avowed

[ uh-voud ]

adjective

1. acknowledged; declared:

   an avowed enemy.

Other Words From

• a·vow·ed·ly [uh, -, vou, -id-lee], adverb
• a·vowed·ness noun
• self-a·vowed adjective
• una·vowed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of avowed¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; avow, -ed ²

Example Sentences

He is an avowed friend of the fossil fuel industry, from whom he reportedly demanded $1 billion in campaign funds at a fundraising dinner last spring, promising in exchange to gut environmental regulations.

From Salon

The fact that negotiations on Trump Tower in Moscow were going on well into the 2016 campaign was never avowed.

From Salon

Though he’s an avowed New Yorker, Esposito sees something special about the L.A.-ness of the event.

From Los Angeles Times

The former president, who has dined with avowed neo-Nazis like Nick Fuentes, said on Thursday that it didn’t make sense for Jewish voters to back Democrats.

From Salon

Of all the mysteries surrounding a sophisticated and startling attack against an avowed adversary of Israel, one question stands out: Why?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• professed