to assert without proof.

to declare with positiveness; affirm; assert

to allege a fact.

to declare before a court or elsewhere, as if under oath.

to plead in support of; offer as a reason or excuse.

Archaic . to cite or quote in confirmation.

verb

contradict , deny , disagree , dissent , object , protest , repudiate

verb

adduce , advance , affirm , asservate , aver , avouch , avow , charge , cite , declare , depose , lay , maintain , offer , plead , present , profess , put forward , recite , recount , state , testify , argue , asseverate , claim , contend , hold , say , assert , attribute , impute