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 Is this a sign that with the new voting rules, where voters had to attest to having seen all the nominees in a category, fewer people voted in the shorts? Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026 That endless well of lessons is something Thursday’s performers attest to. Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026 Cook’s attorney argued to have his original $75,000 bail reduced by $50,000 during a dangerousness hearing Friday, using letters attesting to Cook’s character and community service in the region. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 Fletcher can attest to the longevity of the sheets after much use and countless wash cycles. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • The final election numbers will not be certified for another 10 or more days and do not include provisional ballots or mail-in ballots postmarked for Election Day but not actually delivered to the county’s Election Division office until Wednesday or later.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • No Republicans are on the ballot, although Eric Wallace filed as a qualified write-in candidate for the GOP, so presumably will make it to the general election once ballots are formally counted and certified.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The trial, which is expected to last two weeks, started in earnest on March 10 with opening statements, and three other accusers are poised to testify, the New York Times reported.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Eagan police detective Chad Clausen, who testified in favor of the bill, pointed out that 12 other states have already criminalized grooming.
    Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Eligible customers can receive 5% off ticket purchases, capped at $20, after verifying their military status on the SeatGeek website.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The authenticity of the video couldn't immediately be verified.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The primary winner is all but guaranteed the seat in the heavily Democratic district that stretches along the lakefront on the South Side and includes suburbs like Harvey, Dolton and Pontiac.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Yet a ship that broadcasts its Chinese affiliation does not always guarantee a safe passage.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed the death of Larijani, along with his son Morteza Larijani and the head of his office, Alireza Bayat, as well as several guards, the Associated Press reported.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Kansas associate head basketball coach Jeremy Case recently was interviewed for the Arizona State head coach opening, a source has confirmed to The Star.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Congress never gave the CFTC authority to regulate online sports betting, a responsibility that the Supreme Court has affirmed lies with the states.
    Mick Mulvaney, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Teniente-Matson affirmed the university's commitment to defending the LGBTQ community in the announcement.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But their defense lawyers argue the Colombian team was only providing support to arrest Moïse, and that presidential security guards and national police officers had killed him before the Colombians showed up at his home.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The Justice Department argued that the Department of Homeland Security has sole power over the program, which was designed to be temporary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • São Tomé witnessed the first plantation boom and the first plantation ruin in the history of the world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026
  • In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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