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 Romance in the Air The potential of romance at the hotel, Chevanne, attested, has never waned. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 And, travelers attest to their support and durability even on slick, rocky trails. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2026 Harding entered the race with the endorsement of incumbent coroner Rich Riffle, as well as several other Idaho coroners and industry professionals who attested to his years of experience as a death investigator. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2026 As many families can attest, there are many ways to load a dishwasher, but not all of them are correct. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Counties have weeks after Election Day to process, verify and count ballots before certifying results.
    James Ward, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • Starship and Blue Moon both have a ways to go before NASA will certify the vehicles to fly astronauts, so any time lost on that front by Blue Origin could further narrow NASA's options and increase the risk of setbacks to the agency's lunar landing timeline.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The program allows non-citizens to testify before a grand jury to mitigate consequences of actual or pending charges against them or others.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban and other college sports figures testified Wednesday in support of a bipartisan bill aimed at overhauling a system where players can increasingly earn millions of dollars while moving freely between schools.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • And unlike in-person voting, where verification happens upfront, mail-in ballots must be inspected and have signatures verified.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • Reuters could not independently verify the reports.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The Falcons and their top receiver have reportedly come to terms on a four-year, $141 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • From the driver who picks you up at the airport, to the servers at the restaurants, and the tour guides—you are guaranteed a warmth and level of luxury and service that Four Seasons promises and delivers on.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office will release the deceased man’s identity once it is confirmed and his next of kin is notified.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 2 June 2026
  • Whatever the timeline of the relationships and how much overlap there was has never been confirmed.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The court affirmed Cichuniec’s conviction for second-degree assault related to the unlawful administration of drugs, leaving that conviction intact, the decision states.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 5 June 2026
  • The Secretary of State’s office did not affirm the results of the November 2024 presidential race until weeks later in December.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Defense attorneys, seated in a long row before Maguire while their clients sat in jail uniforms in the courtroom’s jury box, called the DA’s motion unnecessary, arguing any undue pretrial publicity began with prosecutors’ own news conference at the beginning of their criminal case.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • The decision comes after months of public opposition from customers who argued their bills were already among the highest in the state and who urged regulators to reject the increases altogether.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • At first, the guardian ad litem, a family lawyer named Katushca Grass, was concerned that the children had witnessed the domestic violence alleged by their mother.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026
  • Also, part of what is so important around grief is not only letting it out, but that it’s witnessed.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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