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 And there is a hunger on the part of much of the public, frankly to attest to this, is that there's a sense of desire for independence of mind and independence of thought. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 Formulated to last up to 36 hours, per the brand, the Double Wear Foundation won’t budge all day or night—and who better to attest to that than a nurse working 12-plus hour shifts? — Anna Traver, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026 Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta don’t make those mistakes, as their popular jeans, knits, and tees attest. — Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026 And the broader ratings environment is unforgiving, as every TV executive can attest. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • The Federal Aviation Administration certified the Max 7, the smallest of the Max family, in early August with the newest software installed.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Vega said only the names of people whose write-in candidacy has been certified by his office can be added.
    — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The turnout testified to the church’s lasting influence in France despite declining attendance and secularizing trends that have emptied churches across Europe.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Flynn worked for his father-in-law’s flooring and furnishing business and made about $200,000 a year, Ashley’s sister testified.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Technicians spent weeks running inert dummy rods through the cutters to verify tolerances before introducing live radioactive fuel.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In testing the holiday period’s effectiveness, the report also verifies that spending at peak periods of demand does not guarantee the highest marginal return on media spend (MROM).
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • One rule of thumb is to always choose somewhere displaying the VPN sign outside—this stands for Verace Pizza Napoletana, and guarantees that the pizza will be made according to an exacting set of criteria.
    — Nicky Swallow, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Sep. 2026
  • That’s not to say anything of the sort is guaranteed soon — single events are never guaranteed this far out — but there are reasons to take this El Niño seriously thanks to just how astonishing some of the numbers are.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Authorities confirmed that the deficiencies identified during the permitting process had been addressed.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The nephew of late music star Dolly Parton who served as her longtime head of security confirms he was fired after her death, and said a restraining order has been requested against him by the corporation that runs Parton's entertainment empire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The high court affirmed that the Missouri congressional map passed in 2022, which gives Republicans a 6-2 advantage over Democrats, should be used for the November election in a per curiam ruling.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Bonta, the state’s top law enforcement officer, also filed suit, asking the court to affirm his authority over local sheriffs.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Supporters of the plan, led by the Swiss People's Party, which includes members with pro-Russia leanings, argued that the government had gravitated too close to the European Union and NATO, particularly over Russia's war in Ukraine.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Lula, meanwhile, has argued for a more prominent role of the federal government in the fight against organized crime as well as greater coordination between governmental institutions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Forte said the scale of this tournament might shock and even intimidate anglers from other countries who have never witnessed the spectacle of an American fishing championship.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry.
    — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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