attest

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 The large crowd on hand attested to his, well, authenticity. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 The intentional walk has outlived its usefulness, as anybody who paid as much as $1,371 face value for a ticket to the three World Series games this week at Dodger Stadium can attest. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025 Motorists can attest to seeing deer on the move. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Oct. 2025 One accomplice in the scheme was a 74-year-old man from Rhineland-Palatinate who produced counterfeit expert reports attesting to the authenticity of the forgeries, investigators say. NPR, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • But Pitts also pressed Hatton and Kashyap, on their contention that all detainees held at the San Francisco facility be certified as members of the lawsuit class regardless of how long they are held there.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Grocoff, who lives with his family in a 125-year-old Ann Arbor home certified as net-zero energy, said his household disconnected from natural gas over 15 years ago.
    Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Did Felix testify during his sister’s trial?
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Lively’s disclosure also includes a long list of Hollywood celebrities and executives who may have information relevant to the case, though few if any of the big names are expected to actually testify.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Tested for real-world conditions Before shipboard testing, the team verified performance using a full-scale simulation facility measuring 25 by 5 by 5 meters.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Drivers should verify what’s excluded — particularly glass coverage, rental reimbursement, and uninsured-motorist protection.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • For example, as part of its agreement with OpenAI, Nvidia has reportedly discussed guaranteeing loans the startup would use to build its own data centers—a move that could leave the chipmaker on the hook for billions in debt if OpenAI can’t repay.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
  • That wasn't guaranteed at the beginning of this effort a few months ago.
    Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • However, in a bright spot for Sony, a sequel to the movie has already been confirmed, with Netflix reportedly providing the Japanese company a $15 million cash bonus for the first film’s performance.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Family members confirmed to Sacramento television station KCRA that the man found at the apartment was McClintic.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Online attacks against Banda escalated after her recognition for FIFPRO Women's World 11, prompting the NWSL to issue a statement denouncing all forms of harassment and affirming support for Banda and all players.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Incredibly, the filmmaker succeeds in telling a deeply human story without a single human in sight, affirming that humanity – despite its name – isn't only a human trait.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The conviction was later vacated in 2016, after a new legal team argued that Max’s original trial lawyer had a conflict of interest in the case.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Schumer on Saturday persisted in arguing that Republicans should accept a one-year extension of the subsidies before negotiating the future of the tax credits.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to sources, Rhoades then allegedly proceeded to verbally accost the assistant coach, which was witnessed by multiple Baylor staff members within the athletic department, along with family members.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Soon after, a desperate man named Boomba, who witnessed Ma stealing from the shelter, breaks into her home and swipes her food, her phone, and a purse containing her family’s invaluable travel documents.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

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