Definition of corroboratenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb corroborate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of corroborate are authenticate, confirm, substantiate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

When is it sensible to use authenticate instead of corroborate?

Although the words authenticate and corroborate have much in common, authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

Where would confirm be a reasonable alternative to corroborate?

The synonyms confirm and corroborate are sometimes interchangeable, but confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

When is substantiate a more appropriate choice than corroborate?

The meanings of substantiate and corroborate largely overlap; however, substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

In what contexts can validate take the place of corroborate?

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

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When could verify be used to replace corroborate?

In some situations, the words verify and corroborate are roughly equivalent. However, 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 corroborate Connell later reported that a masked man had broken in and attacked her, and even appeared to have physical evidence corroborating her claims, according to the Orange County District Attorney's release. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 It was later pointed out that the Trust was relying on AELTC data that had not been independently corroborated. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 24 July 2026 According to the journalist, the FBI is still trying to corroborate whether the note is legitimate. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026 Investigators collected four shell casings in the exterior area near the rear entrance, which the Shively detective said in the affidavit corroborates footage showing Gray firing a firearm multiple times. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for corroborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corroborate
Verb
  • Zuckerberg acknowledged the potential to generate additional revenue by renting its computing infrastructure to other companies, and confirmed that Meta has plans to get into the cloud business, promising an update soon.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • The strongest systems will likely recommend thoughtfully, confirm preferences and give travelers control rather than making assumptions.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • The experience reinforced her belief that the profession itself was never the problem.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Rounding out the formula are rice peptides, which help reinforce the cuticle for stronger, more resilient strands over time.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The next law should make companies prove their systems can be contained, give government enough access to verify high-risk claims and give the public enough visibility to believe the bargain.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Freedom is sustained when facts can be verified, identities can be authenticated, contracts are honored, leaders earn confidence, institutions serve the public, and citizens keep faith with one another.
    Keith Krach, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Cubs bolstered their pitching staff with a series of moves ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, acquiring Clay Holmes from the New York Mets and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels.
    Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Padres thus bolstered their rotation by acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and, reportedly, right-hander Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why the oil market may be underpricing that risk, argued Tompkins.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The more pragmatic camp argues that maintaining unity during the war requires addressing the public's unhappiness over the economy as well as political and social repression.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Unfamiliar Hungarian names from the nearby vineyards on the wine list can prove a revelation—in a good way—at lunch or dinner.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But Covid-19 vaccines have consistently proved to provide significant protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corroborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corroborate. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on corroborate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster