Entry Word: establish

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to gain full recognition or acceptance of <the teenagers accused of shoplifting were able to establish their innocence>

Synonyms demonstrate, prove, show, substantiate

Related Words attest, authenticate, bear out, document, evidence, support, sustain, uphold; confirm, corroborate, justify, validate, verify

Phrases prove beyond a reasonable doubt

Near Antonyms confute, discredit, invalidate, rebut, refute

Antonyms disprove

2 to show the existence or truth of by evidence <the developers havenʼt established that thereʼs a need for another shopping center in town> — see prove 1
3 to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of <established the first school for the education of Native Americans> — see found