Professes is a verb that means to declare openly or to attest a belief. There are many other synonyms for the function of professes. For example, the term proclaims refers to making a declaration or announcement in a formal or official manner. Similarly, avows means to affirm or declare something truthfully, often in a public setting. Acknowledges means to admit or recognize something's existence. Acknowledging is a synonym for the term professes in the sense that one is openly declaring something to be true or real. Lastly, asserts describes one's firm or confident statement of something. These synonyms can be used interchangeably with the term professes, depending on the context.