veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ə-tə-bəl 

: being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary

—often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor

a veritable mountain of references

veritableness noun

veritably

ˈver-ə-tə-blē 

adverb

Did you know?

Veritable, like its close relative verity (“truth”), came to English through Anglo-French from Latin. Its ultimate source is the adjective vērus, meaning “true,” which also gave English verify, aver, and verdict. Veritable is often used as a synonym of genuine or authentic (“a veritable masterpiece”), but it is also frequently used to stress the aptness of a metaphor, often with a humorous tone (“a veritable swarm of lawyers”). In the past, language commentators objected to the latter use, but today it doesn’t draw much criticism.

Examples of veritable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Knopf humbly acknowledges Visit Orlando and Orlando Health’s role in lifting our community’s boats with a veritable tidal wave of funding, as well as the diners who participate. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Coyote is influenced by the siren song of veritable ambulance-chasing lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte, being characteristically very funny and exceedingly hangdog), who specializes in small claims against Acme. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

That shift can train a veritable fire hose of tropical moisture at Southern California, potentially leading to significant rainfall across the region — albeit at the cost of drier-than-usual conditions elsewhere. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

For the Joyce’s two-week Ballet Festival, Copeland brings together dancers including Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Alexandra Hutchinson and the Paris Opera Ballet’s Guillaume Diop (a veritable star). — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "reliable, honest, true, factual," borrowed from Anglo-French (continental Old French, "real, true"), from verité "truth, verity" + -able -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for veritable

• heritable
• inheritable

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Kids Definition

veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ət-ə-bəl 

: actual, true

—often used to stress the appropriateness of a metaphor

a veritable mountain of papers

veritably

-blē 

adverb