veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce veritable (audio)
: 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 adverb

Did you know?

Veritable, like its close relative verity ("truth"), came to English through Anglo-French from Latin. It is ultimately derived from verus, the Latin word for "true," which also gave us 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 in a humorous tone ("a veritable swarm of lawyers"). In the past, usage commentators have objected to the latter use, but today it doesn't draw much criticism.

Examples of veritable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Another weather metaphor, this one a veritable non sequitur; what does a summer breeze have to do with spontaneity or repetition? Judy Berman, Time, 11 July 2025 With global influences from Asia, Europe, and North America all coming together with the freshest Pacific ingredients, this city is a veritable paradise for your taste buds. Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 By the time he was joined by his longtime friend and fellow Celine ambassador Park Bo-gum and singer Suzy Bae, a veritable scrum had formed around the front row guests. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 6 July 2025 At a time when there is felt to be a shortage of top-class options in certain positions (goalkeepers, centre-forwards), there is a veritable glut of right-footed forwards who like to cut inside from the left wing. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for veritable

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of veritable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Veritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veritable. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

veritable

adjective
ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce veritable (audio)
: actual, true
often used to stress the appropriateness of a metaphor
a veritable mountain of papers
veritably adverb

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