Definition of attestnext
1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine the appraiser attests that the lamp is indeed an original Tiffany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact an eyewitness who will attest to my innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attest are certify, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

When would certify be a good substitute for attest?

The words certify and attest can be used in similar contexts, but certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When could vouch be used to replace attest?

The meanings of vouch and attest largely overlap; however, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When is witness a more appropriate choice than attest?

Although the words witness and attest have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of attest Been there, seen that, done that, as Heat owner Micky Arison can attest. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026 As any new parent can attest, life with a new baby is disorienting, with breastfeeding essentially controlling your schedule—and getting up every two hours all night long is not for the faint of heart! Melissa Willets, Parents, 14 July 2026 Currently, voters in almost all states attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, but they are not required to provide proof. Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 10 July 2026 The chatter was nonstop as the moms who brought food and took away trash could attest. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • These links must themselves be certified using further Bell tests before the gate-verification process can proceed.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • According to a July 3 letter obtained by The Sacramento Bee, the city still needed to complete required rezoning, adopt the housing element and submit both to HCD before the department could certify the plan.
    Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Purchases allegedly made by Burke under aliases also included cadaver bags, heavy-duty laundry bags, chain saws, a shovel and a fireproof mat, Byers testified.
    Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026
  • Shortly after Gabbard’s report, Paul, who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, subpoenaed Fauci to testify before the committee.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • If successful, users could one day verify the operations performed by a quantum computer without having to trust the company running it.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Won’t verifying everyone’s age force all users to hand over sensitive identity documents?
    Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • But unlike the pension, it is not guaranteed to last for the rest of her life.
    Santul Nerkar, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The measure, which requires majority approval, is also far from guaranteed to win over voters.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • French football sensation Kylian Mbappe has been confirmed as the cover athlete for EA FC 27's Ultimate Edition and mobile version, continuing his reign as the face of EA's premier football franchise after his Golden Boot win at the 2026 World Cup.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • To become secretary-general, a candidate must receive a state nomination, win the endorsement of the Security Council without being vetoed, and get confirmed by the General Assembly.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Their fundamentalist, literal understanding of the Bible is one that drives them to take bigger, bolder actions to affirm their belief that the United States is a Christian nation.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • On July 17, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China President Xi Jinping affirmed that the country will remain committed to releasing models on an open-source basis.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The bigger question is whether the illusion of having someone who is always loyal and never argues is actually a healthy solution for us.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 July 2026
  • States argue those contracts are equivalent to sports betting, something state governments control.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Some of it was also posted on Facebook and Instagram by people who participated and witnessed what unfolded.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • This year witnesses a resurgence of sorts, as a fleet of both new and historic Js descends on the Mediterranean.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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