attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
attested; attesting; attests

transitive verb

1
a
: to affirm to be true or genuine
specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness
b
: to authenticate officially
2
: to establish or verify the usage of
a word that was first attested in the 18th century
3
: to be proof of : manifest
Her record attests her integrity.
4
: to put on oath

intransitive verb

: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real
usually used with to
I can attest to the truth of his statement.
attest to a belief
attester noun
Choose the Right Synonym for attest

certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something.

certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

Examples of attest in a Sentence

I can attest that what he has said is true. The certificate attests the authenticity of the painting.
Recent Examples on the Web Still, many generations of composers have attested to the disinhibiting effect of life on the West Coast. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023 Sometimes, as those who have been in his shoes can attest, there are no simple answers. Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023 Palmer claimed the abuse occurred over a two-year period, and that her mother and sister could attest to witnessing it. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2023 Sharon may not know that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will happen in the coldest weather and this year’s event can attest to the cold weather. Walter Loeb, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 The leggings’ smooth outer shell is made of a water-resistant material that keeps you dry in light rain and snow, reviewers attest. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2023 As guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attests, many such symptoms may be caused by viral infections. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023 Designed to absorb negative energy, these dolls are a fun and therapeutic way to vent, as attested by satisfied customers who find joy and relief in using them. Kathy Barr, Rolling Stone, 15 Nov. 2023 In 1876, as the story goes and an historical marker in Westport, Mass., attests, the farmers Aiden and Elihu Macomber brought turnip seeds back from the Philadelphia Exposition and planted them. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of attest was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near attest

Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attest. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
: to give proof of : testify to
the result attests the truth of that statement
I can attest to your innocence
attestation noun
attester noun

Legal Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)

transitive verb

: to bear witness to : affirm to be true or genuine
specifically : to authenticate (as a will) by signing as a witness

intransitive verb

: to bear witness : testify
often used with to
attestation noun
Etymology

Latin attestari, from ad to + testari to call to witness, from testis witness

More from Merriam-Webster on attest

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