assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
Synonyms of assistance
: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid
financial and technical assistance
Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms of assistance

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Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated. I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some states, including Maryland, prohibit certain hospitals from requiring prepayment simply to avoid offering financial assistance. — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 The quake struck at the heart of the country’s coffee-growing region and catapulted communities into a state of national disaster as world leaders offered aid and assistance. — Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 Cities across Colombia that escaped the worst of the earthquake were sending assistance to the affected areas. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 Without Russia’s assistance and ultimate intervention, Assad would have been ousted nearly a decade earlier. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assistance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assistance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing assistance

Rhymes for assistance

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Browse Nearby Words

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assistance
assistance dog
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Cite this Entry

“Assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assistance. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

assistance

noun
as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce assistance (audio)
: the act of assisting
also : the help given

More from Merriam-Webster on assistance

Nglish: Translation of assistance for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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