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 As many families can attest, there are many ways to load a dishwasher, but not all of them are correct. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2025 Trump's praise, apparently hard won and easily lost as former friends turned foes like Elon Musk might attest, is not new. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 17 June 2025 William Saller, a seasoned entrepreneur, can attest to that. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025 Three times uprooted Nataliia Piven can attest to that. Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • The case changed legal precedent and was the inspiration for two new state laws, one of which requires judges to certify a verdict immediately.
    Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 6 July 2025
  • They are certified to national wildland firefighting standards.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • McGee, the driver of the car, is also expected to testify.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • Scott has since agreed to a plea deal and testified as a key witness for the prosecution in Serafini’s trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • For all July 4 plans involving alcohol, plan ahead and verify specific store hours or delivery options directly with retailers.
    Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And states, which administer Medicaid, would have to set up systems to verify a person's employment or exemption status.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump is exerting significant pressure on holdouts to fall in line, but passage in the lower chamber is not guaranteed.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The contract is not fully guaranteed; however, Wilson — the Nets’ second-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft — is a rotation player and considered part of the team’s future as its rebuild continues.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • His death at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles was confirmed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on June 24, but authorities have not disclosed the cause.
    Scott MacFarlane July 6, CBS News, 6 July 2025
  • As officials continue to confirm deaths and search for those missing after the Texas Hill Country floods on Friday, locals have started to share stories of incredible acts of bravery and heroism amid a weekend of anguish.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Opening Minds Others are curating spaces that are culturally affirming and educational.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
  • The ruling comes as a national battle over LGBTQ+ rights heats up, with the nation's highest court upholding Tennessee's ban on gender affirming care for minors in June.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • What made the transformation into a cinematic cut possible was the high quality of the game, argued Pekař.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 July 2025
  • The firm argues that without players like Jane Street, there would be no link between the Indian derivatives market and its real economy.
    Daniel Schlaepfer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Since 2014, India has witnessed a significant political transformation with the rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and his emphasis on muscular nationalism and Hindu majoritarianism.
    Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025
  • To witness Fanny working was perhaps the greatest editorial privilege of my life.
    Ezra Fox July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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