Definition of authenticatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb authenticate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of authenticate are confirm, corroborate, substantiate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

When might confirm be a better fit than authenticate?

While the synonyms confirm and authenticate are close in meaning, confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

Where would corroborate be a reasonable alternative to authenticate?

The words corroborate and authenticate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

In what contexts can substantiate take the place of authenticate?

The words substantiate and authenticate can be used in similar contexts, but substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

When is it sensible to use validate instead of authenticate?

While in some cases nearly identical to authenticate, validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When can verify be used instead of authenticate?

Although the words verify and authenticate have much in common, verify implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at.

all statements of fact in the article have been verified

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 authenticate For instance, commission hearings don’t include the right to testify under oath, authenticate evidence or subpoena and cross-examine witnesses, Talcott said. Calmatters, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026 For instance, commission hearings don’t include the right to testify under oath, authenticate evidence or subpoena and cross-examine witnesses, Talcott said. Calmatters, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026 Her lawyers hired an expert at Johns Hopkins University to authenticate her documents. Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026 But while that’s a compelling story, the researchers failed to authenticate the age of the DNA, a significant limitation of the study, Caramelli says. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authenticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authenticate
Verb
  • Like the more expensive WiiM Sound, this more affordable speaker supports Alexa and is certified Roon Ready.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The deadline to have ballot measures certified for the April 7 ballot also came and went on Tuesday, with no Royals announcement.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the numbers have been steadily climbing as a network of international nongovernmental organizations has worked to verify the scale of the crackdown.
    Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Engineers continue to verify system readiness before allowing underwater testing to begin.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Newcastle face the toughest task, playing defending European champions PSG in Paris knowing even a win won’t guarantee them a top-eight spot because of goal difference potentially coming into play.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Its dual mission is to bridge the early-stage funding gap and guarantee global access, ensuring products aren’t confined to wealthy markets for decades but are introduced in low- and middle-income countries in parallel.
    Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Goodarzi’s arraignment, which was scheduled for Tuesday morning, was continued to Thursday, the DA’s office confirmed.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • After preclinical trials, there’s a human trial that’s smaller than the ones required for drugs, followed by a feasibility trial to confirm the device works as intended.
    Ana Castelain, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The language in the memorandum affirms legitimate counterterrorism work while leaving room to treat political dissent as out of bounds.
    Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Changing the reporting structure would affirm Ternus’ status as a rising star, at a time when the company is still keeping its succession planning under wraps.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As many of us can attest, this slick layer of ice can lead to nasty falls.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
  • His 14 fight-night bonus awards in 14 UFC outings can attest to that.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Authenticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authenticate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on authenticate

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