veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce veritable (audio)
Synonyms of veritable
: 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. 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
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The lower levels of the museum, meanwhile, are a veritable party of art. Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 Tony season in New York is a veritable marathon for theater-folk, who are besieged by invites to countless classy events in succession. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 June 2026 With bumper cars and duckpin bowling, Atomic City Family Fun Center is a veritable wonderland for the young and young at heart. Matt Kirouac, Midwest Living, 7 June 2026 Waldo Point Harbor is a veritable floating art gallery, a community of eclectically decorated, historic houseboats anchored just offshore. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026 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 12 Jun. 2026.

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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