confirms; confirmed; confirming
1
: to state or show that (something) is true or correct
The tests confirmed the doctors' suspicions of cancer.
The attack confirmed her worst fears about the neighborhood.
Police would not confirm [=verify] reports of a shooting.
The award confirmed her status as one of the great movie actresses.
Medical tests confirmed (that) he did not have a heart attack.
2
: to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen : to make (something) definite or official
The dentist's office called to confirm your appointment for tomorrow.
Please confirm [=acknowledge] receipt of the shipment.
confirm a hotel reservation
We have a reservation for you for tomorrow night. Please call to confirm.
3
formal
: to make (something) stronger or more certain : to cause (someone) to believe (something) more strongly
Her parents' attitude only confirmed [=strengthened, reinforced] her resolve to get her own apartment.
—often + inShe was confirmed in her determination to get a higher-paying job.
4
: to give official approval to (something or someone)
They voted to confirm [=ratify] the treaty.
The Senate has confirmed him as a Supreme Court justice.
The Senate is expected to vote to confirm.
5
: to make (someone) a full member of a church or synagogue : to administer confirmation to (someone)
—usually used as (be) confirmed
Our son will be confirmed in the spring.
What year were you confirmed?
Cite this Entry
“Confirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/confirm. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.
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