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 Anyone who has seen photos of smokers hooked to oxygen or revealing their lung-cancer scars can attest that public health has become expert in warning potential victims of these types of health problems. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 1 Aug. 2025 Then a month later, NYPD arrested Nunez for criminal contempt, and in January, he was again attested for criminal contempt. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025 As Vogue’s senior living writer Elise Taylor can attest, the whole experience is a balancing act. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 30 July 2025 As those of us who received some sourdough starter during the pandemic and made big plans to master the craft can attest, baking sourdough bread from scratch is, as Neeson pointed out, effortful. Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Schermerhorn became certified through the Sound Healing Academy in the Bronx, New York.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Space Force officials formally certified the Vulcan rocket for national security launches in March, setting the stage for Tuesday's launch of the USSF-106 mission.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Although identified as a victim, Huynh was never called to testify as prosecutors lost contact with both her and her lawyer ahead of the trial, despite being subpoenaed.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Lawson admitted to doing so while testifying at his own trial.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Despite failing to verify her identity, Bardisa was reportedly offered a promotion in January 2025.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The letter would also have to verify that the data center wouldn’t cause electrical interference or fluctuations in line voltage, according to the ordinance.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Adopting such tactics won’t guarantee success or unity.
    Time, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The program has a long track record of success, and with no future reauthorization guaranteed, certainty may run out.
    Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate has dropped out of the 2026 race for the U.S. Senate, a spokesperson confirmed Friday, Aug. 8.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Requests to the city to confirm the number were not returned by deadline.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • During an event in the Oval Office Wednesday with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump affirmed the 50% tariff number, not giving a specific answer as to whether additional tariffs on India would be dropped if there were a deal between Russia and Ukraine.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Former President Joe Biden affirmed the longstanding practice of including the total number of persons residing in the states in those tallies with a 2021 executive order, which Trump revoked on the first day of his second term.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In 1948, the German philosopher Josef Pieper argued that time away from work is all too often still kind of about work.
    Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The officer told the two males to stop arguing and called for assistance.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The attack ended when other troops who witnessed the incident intervened and tackled the gunman.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Several soldiers who witnessed the shooting were able to tackle Radford and subdue him.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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