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as in to guarantee
to declare (something) to be true or genuine experts certified the letter as indeed having been written by Abraham Lincoln

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb certify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certify are attest, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When would attest be a good substitute for certify?

The meanings of attest and certify largely overlap; however, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

In what contexts can vouch take the place of certify?

In some situations, the words vouch and certify are roughly equivalent. However, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When could witness be used to replace certify?

Although the words witness and certify 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 certify Importantly, the Hualong One is certified against European Utility Requirements (the benchmark for European operators). Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025 Sanders already operates his own business Drone Works, is certified to commercially fly drones and is heavily involved in the Experimental Aircraft Association Lebanon chapter. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025 Not only is it designed with sustainable wool, but it is also certified by SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit), which maintains factory standards and adheres to strict labor, health, and safety practices. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025 The final tally was certified Wednesday by the National Labor Relations Board. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certify
Verb
  • But Prescott's return and the addition of Pickens alone don't guarantee that Dallas will be a top-flight offense.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Quench them with a copious deluge of water and stir to guarantee complete cooling.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Though the bill is yet to be finalized, the orbital station is cast as the linchpin of sustainable exploration to enable longer stays, partner investment and cislunar monitoring.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The administration says that Venezuela’s government enables drug dealers and traffickers.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The news organizations verified the data, including by soliciting input from professors at universities in Texas.
    ProPublica, ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025
  • At one point during the hearing, the Health secretary claimed that Black boys who receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine have a higher risk of autism, which has never been verified by scientists.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In a Chinese readout of a meeting with Xi on Sunday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev affirmed support for Beijing's stance on Taiwan, and signed documents for cooperation on AI.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Indeed, concentration camps prove to be a viable political option with a friendly Supreme Court ready to affirm President Cadwallader’s unprecedented use of executive orders.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities can also authorize your vehicle to be towed at your expense, which could cost a pretty penny.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Postal workers were authorized to intercept packages flagged as likely to have been sent by victims of a scam but weren’t allowed to open them without the sender’s consent.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • North Korean state media also confirmed that Kim was attending the parade at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
    Stella Kim, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Evergreen Park coach Jim Ramazinski confirmed that Evans will play a big role in helping this year’s team try to achieve that goal.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Brickell Run Club can attest to the heat island effect.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • After having this bed in her home for the last eight years, contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert can attest that the features Mafi noted are true.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Build a team that complements your skills and empower them to lead in their areas of expertise.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Jackets for Jobs' mission on its own is to empower people seeking jobs by giving away free business attire, so joining this initiative just made sense, Vaughn said.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certify. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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