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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 That day, rioters broke into the Capitol and hunted for then Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress fulfilling their duty to certify the election win of President Biden. Rachel Clarke, CNN Money, 24 June 2025 Electric passenger aircraft have flown in the US before, but only in test flights: ALIA was under the jurisdiction of normal air traffic control, following US regulators’ move to certify air taxis and other electric aircraft in October. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 23 June 2025 To certify a class of plaintiffs, a court must find that the plaintiffs are in largely similar legal and factual situations. ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025 When Culture Change Becomes A Game Everyone Knows How To Play Are you certified in pretending to learn while multitasking? Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for certify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certify
Verb
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Yes, that’s Riley at the 1987 Lakers championship parade guaranteeing that his team would be back celebrating another title one year later.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • From a practical standpoint, this decision enables an unprecedented situation where individuals born on U.S. territory might be considered citizens in one jurisdiction but not an adjacent one.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • That could enable more attentive owners to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 40 percent over an average year of use.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Developing apparel made from more sustainable materials, setting company-wide climate targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and enhancing traceability and social compliance programs are central to this strategy.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 June 2025
  • However, age verification has become increasingly accurate, and computer vision can now even be used to verify a consumer’s age before purchasing alcohol.
    Michael Jaszczyk, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Illinois hospital emergency departments must continue to provide abortions when necessary to pregnant women whose health is in danger, despite a change in federal guidance earlier this week, state leaders affirmed Wednesday.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • The Sacramento County of Education authorized a separate audit in 2018 that raised similar concerns about internal practices.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • The alert also relayed that the FDA had authorized these monitors for wired functionality only.
    Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Though rumors regarding Jackman and Foster had been swirling since 2022, the duo only confirmed their relationship earlier this year.
    Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • After checking the official site, it is confirmed that the show is getting prematurely review bombed.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • William Saller, a seasoned entrepreneur, can attest to that.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
  • Three times uprooted Nataliia Piven can attest to that.
    Howard LaFranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Art Partner has unveiled the 2025 Earth Partner Prize—an international competition dedicated to empowering young people to take impactful action in response to the climate emergency.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 June 2025
  • Building on a legacy that has raised over $2.75 million since 2005, the Bro-Am events continue to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth through programs focused on fundamental needs, as well as music, art, and surfing.
    Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certify. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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