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 Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 The Brickell Run Club can attest to the heat island effect. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 Available in dozens of colorways and patterns, there are plenty of options for designing a summery bedscape—and Harrison attests that the hues match their descriptions. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025 Those of us still battling it out in the print-journalism trenches can attest that there’s no shortage of ironic laughs to wring, as well, out of a fourth estate that’s in decline just when America needs it most. Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • If the case is eventually certified as a class action and proves successful, each class member would be provided three times actual damages or a statutory damages provision of $1,500.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The latter is known as one of the greatest albums of all time and is certified five-times platinum by the RIAA.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • During her direct examination, Dever testified that Cox called her into his office and that the commissioner told her the department would support her and to tell the truth.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The defense attorney, however, called back to the witness stand West Sacramento Police Detective Ricardo Ramirez to testify about what Miramontes told him during a June 26 interview at the Sheriff’s Office.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, a law enforcement source later told The New York Times that the findings, from a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms report, had not been verified by the agency’s analysts and could have been misinterpreted.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • If verified, some researchers suggest this respite also could be a glimpse of future hurricane seasons, with the historic early-to-mid-September peak pushed back on the calendar.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pre-authorization letters included a line saying payment was not guaranteed, but Sutton-Schulman didn’t think much of it.
    Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Spending guarantees nothing by itself, but if all teams were highly competent, using the time value of money with a rising cap would seem to create a competitive advantage.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Senate Republicans typically confirm nominees based on the White House’s priority levels.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Researchers from the Center for Whale Research, SeaDoc Society and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance confirmed the female calf was deceased, with its umbilical cord still attached when spotted in Rosario Strait near the San Juan Islands.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Having breathed in the fresh air of the mountains, affirmed his love for his girlfriend, and taken in the beautiful view, Daniel all but forgets about his fight with his mother.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Since then, however, the court has allowed states to ban gender-affirming care for minors and has agreed to review Idaho’s and West Virginia’s bans on transgender athletes joining sports teams.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Penske’s complaint argues that practice isn’t a fair exchange and has caused significant financial harm, with the company’s affiliate revenue falling by more than a third (as a result of Google’s AI Overviews co-opting traffic that might have otherwise gone to Penske outlets).
    Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Critics and rights groups argued that both the ban and the bill function as tools for censorship, threatening freedom of expression, press freedom and fundamental rights.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even those who arrived later, who hadn’t witnessed the tipping of the balance, couldn’t stop talking about it.
    T. Coraghessan Boyle, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Ron del Barrilito Hacienda Santa Ana To visit Hacienda Santa Ana is to witness firsthand how Ron del Barrilito has married past and present so seamlessly.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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