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 Enthusiastic shoppers can attest to those results. Erika Reals, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026 Rocha attests to Bueno’s ability to work with the younger set, especially since Bueno began mentoring her years ago. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Shopping director Rachel Fletcher owns a different set of shades from the brand and can attest to their quality and seamless installation (even for someone who lacks power drill experience). Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026 There’s the Catholic guilt which other Catholics can attest is long-suffering and never-ending. Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Once certified, Rivera said electricians can expect to start with earnings between $28 to $30 per hour, while apprentice plumbers generally make between $32 and $35 hourly.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Fenton Parkway Bridge was estimated to cost $53 million in September 2024, when the California State University Board of Trustees signed off on the project and certified the final environmental impact report.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Trump, who has faced scrutiny over his own ties to Epstein and may be uncomfortable with the precedent of forcing a former president to testify, has expressed rare concern for the Clintons.
    STEVEN SLOAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Hillary Clinton will appear today, with the former president set to testify Friday.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Here are three of their stories, which CNBC verified by reviewing documents including health insurance and tax records.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The department attributed the increase to the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, when states had to start verifying Medicaid eligibility again and recipients lost coverage.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Performances at the Spellbound by Magic Castle experience are guaranteed not only to delight longtime magic fans but also to impress and convert the skeptical.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • After thrashing Real España by five goals on the Honduran club’s home field last week, the Los Angeles Football Club was nearly guaranteed to advance to the next stage of the continental tournament.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Authorities have described the suspect as a male of average build, roughly 5 feet, 9 or 10 inches tall, but have not confirmed any personal identity details or motive.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Feb. 2026
  • One of the Nest doorbell camera images released by the FBI was taken on a different date than the others, a source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed to Fox News Digital Monday.
    Michael Ruiz , Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That election’s ballots were counted three separate times and the results were affirmed each time.
    Emily Guskin, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • What makes fewer headlines is that most companies that have sidled away from the acronym continue to affirm the values of DEI under a different name.
    Kenji Yoshino, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans have argued the judge did not have legal authority to enact a map that wasn’t approved by the Legislature.
    David A. Lieb, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The union representing correctional officers quickly opposed the recommendation in a Monday afternoon statement, arguing that permanent closures present fiscal and operational risks to California.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Sophie overhears Anthony confront Benedict in the study, but Benedict puts up a solid argument that his brother, who has just returned from a trip to India with his wife Kate (Simone Ashley) and their son Edmund, hasn’t witnessed his planning and love for Sophie.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The narrow path of annularity crossed only a small slice of Antarctica, placing the crew at the Concordia Research Station among the fortunate few able to witness the full effect from the icy plateau.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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