attest

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 None of this is totally new to Jokic’s leadership style, his teammates and coaches attest. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026 Historically, experimenting with tech on Air Jordans has had mixed results — anyone who remembers the interchangeable cushioning units of the Air Jordan 22 or the swappable sockliners of the Air Jordan 27 can attest to as much. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026 As any photo of John Lennon, Kenny Loggins, or Gregg Allman in the early seventies will attest, Jesus was one of the most influential forces in fashion at the time, as well as in pop culture. Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026 As anyone who has tried can attest, building anything these days, whether a house or a commercial project, requires navigating a complex labyrinth of regulations, enduring a long and grueling and extremely costly, and often arbitrary, multilayered approval, review, and permitting process. Lee Steinhauer, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • In November, Softtek became the first Latin American company to be certified under ISO 42001, the first global standard for responsible AI management.
    Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • She was first certified by the Australian Institute of Fitness before moving to the United States and earning recertification through the American Council on Exercise.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The medical examiner testified that Ruiz suffered both strangulation injuries and blunt-force trauma consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
  • In December, Smith testified before lawmakers for more than eight hours at a closed-door deposition.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Reviewing State Minimum Insurance Requirements In addition to personal insurance needs, owners should verify their state’s minimum liability requirements.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After verifying player complaints, Wright contacted the league replay center to begin following protocol to potentially delay the game.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Hospital management must take action to maintain our health benefits, guarantee enforceable safe staffing, and make hospitals safer workplaces.
    Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Team members know exactly what to focus on, what to ignore and what needs to be done to operate with greater speed and less confusion, thereby almost guaranteeing you that this year will be a great year for all.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Though a second season hasn't been confirmed, the show hasn't been billed as a limited series, and there are over 30 titles in The Beauty comic series to potentially pull from.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Fox News confirmed that the president is planning to arrange a signing ceremony for the Gaza Board of Peace during his visit.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The language in the memorandum affirms legitimate counterterrorism work while leaving room to treat political dissent as out of bounds.
    Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Changing the reporting structure would affirm Ternus’ status as a rising star, at a time when the company is still keeping its succession planning under wraps.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Mahan has also faulted the governor’s administration for dismissing allegations of waste, fraud and abuse in state programs, arguing those concerns should not be partisan.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • As argued in his book Abundance, Ezra Klein explains how America's growth has been hindered by well-meaning regulations, permitting requirements, and veto points that have blocked affordable housing, infrastructure, and clean energy development.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Eventually, my exasperated mom found us and marched us to the big arena, on the other side of Interstate 70, to witness the big show.
    The Know, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Minnesota had a front-row seat to witness the full extent of the guard’s value in a loss Thursday to Chicago.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

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