attest

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 According to the brand, after three months, 98% of participants said this product made their neck feel smoother—very promising, as our editors will also attest. Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025 Anyone who’s taken a bite of fresh wild salmon can attest to its deeply complex flavors and rich texture. Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 For virtually anything else, the bespoke service is the way to go—as King Charles III can attest: The monarch granted a fresh royal warrant to the company’s bespoke manager, James Cook, last summer. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 11 June 2025 But as the grieving families of the passengers aboard the Air India flight could attest, loss of life is much worse. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Unofficial results likely won't be announced by the city Board of Elections until July 1, and the results won't be officially certified until July 14.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Dragon is the only U.S. spacecraft certified by NASA to take astronauts to the space station.
    Brendan Byrne, NPR, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • One of the injured suffered burns over 60% of their body, Chan testified.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
  • Witnesses testified that Read and O'Keefe were drinking with friends, which included McCabe, in Canton and were invited to an after-party at Brian Albert's house, but the couple didn't attend.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Developing apparel made from more sustainable materials, setting company-wide climate targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and enhancing traceability and social compliance programs are central to this strategy.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 2025
  • However, age verification has become increasingly accurate, and computer vision can now even be used to verify a consumer’s age before purchasing alcohol.
    Michael Jaszczyk, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Yes, that’s Riley at the 1987 Lakers championship parade guaranteeing that his team would be back celebrating another title one year later.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • This weekend, the woman was confirmed as the man’s partner, 28-year-old Russian national Anastasia Trofimova (who is not the documentarian of the same name), and the child, their 11-month-old daughter Andromeda.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2025
  • Ralphs’ death was confirmed in a statement from his representative, though no exact date or cause of death was given.
    August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Illinois hospital emergency departments must continue to provide abortions when necessary to pregnant women whose health is in danger, despite a change in federal guidance earlier this week, state leaders affirmed Wednesday.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Democrats, led by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, had argued that in recent decades Congress gradually surrendered war-making powers to the president.
    Robert Jimison, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Justice Amy Coney Barrett argued only the Supreme Court can provide such universal relief.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • When constructed, the stone circle was aligned with the sun, and to this day, thousands of people gather to witness the moment the sun peeks perfectly through its pillars.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • With every signature highlight, the crowd grew louder, craving a chance at witnessing something this franchise has never seen.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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