attest

Definition of attestnext
1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine the appraiser attests that the lamp is indeed an original Tiffany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact an eyewitness who will attest to my innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attest are certify, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

When would certify be a good substitute for attest?

The words certify and attest can be used in similar contexts, but certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When could vouch be used to replace attest?

The meanings of vouch and attest largely overlap; however, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When is witness a more appropriate choice than attest?

Although the words witness and attest have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of attest As General Motors can attest, collisions can spell the end of a self-driving business. Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026 Ancient wisdom attests to this powerful creative spirit. Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 Oribe can attest to this—thanks to their luncheon yesterday in Times Square which gave editors a first look at their new Eternal Curls collection. Essence, 28 Jan. 2026 Holiday Decor Hobby Lobby truly puts on the dog for holidays, as Nordike can attest. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Those applying for children with a disability must submit a firm that certifies the student’s disability, an evaluation and/or a Texas individualized education plan.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Nixon-Clark, who was 16, was certified to be tried as an adult after the case was first filed in a juvenile court.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated February 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Alex Goodnight, deputy legislative director for IDEM, testified in support of the bill Tuesday.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
  • This came hours before Martinez, a Mexican American legal gun owner, testified on Capitol Hill about her experiences.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But the numbers have been steadily climbing as a network of international nongovernmental organizations has worked to verify the scale of the crackdown.
    Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Engineers continue to verify system readiness before allowing underwater testing to begin.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The regime blames its bankruptcy on sanctions and claims to be working toward their removal while making foreign policy choices guaranteed to trigger more sanctions.
    Azadeh Moaveni, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The board's nine members would serve at the mayor's behest, and charter and traditional public schools would each be guaranteed three representatives.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Iran’s sweeping crackdown on anti-government demonstrations left more than 6,800 people dead, the vast majority of them protesters killed last month, according to an advocacy organization tracking and confirming the fatalities.
    Maham Javaid, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Ivory mentioned that a similar pipe failure last summer caused more than $1 million in damage and said recent site visits have confirmed that these breakdowns are recurring and structural, not accidental.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In response to the congressional request, Coupang affirmed its compliance.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • These bills have targeted gender-affirming care, bathroom access and trans people’s participation in sports.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The opposition People Power Party, however, argues that the National Assembly must ratify the trade deal due to the exorbitant costs involved.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The overriding factor, Tait argued, is the global debt burden.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And his time was one too of witnessing the willful destruction of entire cultures, the taking of lands, the Trail of Tears.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • As a result, people in Minnesota and across the country are exercising their First Amendment rights to peacefully witness, film and livestream ICE and CBP’s operations.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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