verify

1 of 2

verb

ver·​i·​fy ˈver-ə-ˌfī 

verified; verifying

transitive verb

1

: to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of

verify the claim

2

: to confirm or substantiate in law by oath

verifier

ˈver-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

verifier

2 of 2

noun

ver·​i·​fi·​er -ˌfī(ə)r 

-īə

plural -s

1

: one that searches for or discovers verification

2

: one that serves as verification

the problem of verifying beliefs … where the verifier lies beyond experience

—J. W. Yolton

3

: a machine used to check the correctness of the previous recording of data (as by punching cards or magnetizing tape)

Synonyms of verify

Verb

• confirm

Choose the Right Synonym for verify

confirm, corroborate, substantiate, verify, authenticate, validate mean to attest to the truth or validity of something.

confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

verify implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at.

all statements of fact in the article have been verified

authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

Examples of verify in a Sentence

Verb

She verified her flight number.

He verified that the item was in stock.

Can you verify whether I am scheduled to work or not?

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Display Color Gamut Volume (CGV) is equivalent or exceeds the CGV of the DCI-P3 color space as verified independently by Intertek. —Nam Sunwoo, Variety, 19 June 2026

When reviewing your options, be sure to verify that the brand’s brake-rotor line has a kit for your vehicle. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

Readers should independently verify treatment options, materials, warranties, certifications, pricing, and clinical credentials before pursuing treatment. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 June 2026

Taking the time to verify liability, understand state-specific laws and explore debt relief options when necessary can help protect financial stability and peace of mind during an already difficult period. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English verifien, borrowed from Anglo-French verifier, borrowed from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from Latin vērus "true" + -ficāre -fy — more at very entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for verify

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

Kids Definition

verify

verb

ver·​i·​fy ˈver-ə-ˌfī 

verified; verifying

: to prove or check the truth, accuracy, or reality of

verify the claim

verifier

-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Etymology

Verb

Middle English verifien "to establish the truth of," from early French verifier (same meaning), from Latin verificare (same meaning), from earlier verus "true" — related to verdict, very

Legal Definition

verify

transitive verb

ver·​i·​fy ˈver-ə-ˌfī 

verified; verifying

1

: to confirm or substantiate by oath, affidavit, or deposition

verify a motion

2

: to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of

Etymology

Transitive verb

Anglo-French verifier, from Medieval Latin verificare, from Latin verus true + -ficare to make