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
  • Another former girlfriend of Combs testified under the pseudonym Jane in court.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Accounts of what unfolded that night in Moscow have emerged from two of the surviving roommates, who were both expected to testify at trial.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 30 June 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
  • That’s when the 26-year-old’s $7.7 million salary for the 2025-26 season was supposed to be fully guaranteed.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Jones provided those services to the youth mentoring group for its annual conferences between 2019 and 2024 under a different audiovisual company, American Electronic Entertainment, aka, AEE Productions, 100 Black Men of America confirmed.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2025
  • One reviewer with the latter confirmed that even after miles of walking, the shoes don’t rub or cause any blisters.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, aimed to affirm that Trump should seek authorization from Congress before launching more military action against Iran.
    Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Since January 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has tracked nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ state legislative bills across the United States targeting transgender youth, restricting access to affirming services and limiting public expression of LGBTQ+ identities.
    Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Critics have argued that families in poverty have more immediate needs and that their children should receive a larger endowment if the goal is to help level the playing field.
    MORIAH BALINGIT, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Critics argue the language is misleading and written in a way to entice voters.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the outlet, the surfer had previously seen sharks at the beach and had even witnessed other people sustain shark bites.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 July 2025
  • Kevin Furuta, who witnessed the incident, recounted in a Facebook post that a girl fell from the fourth deck.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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