witness 1 of 2

witness

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to attest
to declare (something) to be true or genuine a notary public witnessing wills and other important documents

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact I witnessed to the fact that I had seen them together that night

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to experience
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it war changes anyone who has ever witnessed it first hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb witness contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of witness are attest, certify, and vouch. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

When can attest be used instead of witness?

While the synonyms attest and witness are close in meaning, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

In what contexts can certify take the place of witness?

The meanings of certify and witness largely overlap; however, 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 witness?

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

willing to vouch for her integrity

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 witness
Noun
Back in the witness box, Ventura had a moment of levity in what has been a bleak proceeding for the most part so far. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 May 2025 Cassie took the stand this week as a star witness in Diddy‘s trafficking trial and revealed several troubling details about their long relationship. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
Eventually, on timescales so long humanity will never witness them, the universe will fade into darkness. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 May 2025 Liverpool supporters witnessed that first-hand during the 4-0 Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s side mentioned above. David Ornstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
Noun
  • But this theory, like all others surrounding the expedition, is simply speculation—and it’s not fully supported by Inuit testimony.
    Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
  • Following her testimony, Combs is requesting that her lawsuit be dismissed.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The announcements from the United States and China at Davos, followed by Europe’s response at the Paris AI Action Summit, attest to that.
    Sylvain Duranton, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Even so, that dimmer wattage does little to dull a film that plays like cine-karaoke — and as any mic fiend can attest, the glory in those moments belongs not to the singer, but the song.
    Ben Croll, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Dempsey-Beggs’ boss noticed her nervousness and pulled her aside, asking what the alarm was.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • He's also noticed that workers often shovel coal in bouts, working hard in teams of two or three, and then all taking breaks together.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Officer Aicha still tries to move forward with the case, asking if Cecilie’s son, Viggo, could testify against Oscar, but Cecilie refuses to put her son in that situation.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
  • Also on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testified at a House Appropriations Committee hearing and faced multiple questions regarding outages at Newark.
    Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Stout also has an outsized personality, which the 49ers experienced during his visit.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Maintain Hygiene: Clean and moisturize your feet to prevent skin issues Read more: Prevention & Treatment Healthy Aging 7 Sources Catherine Moyer, DPM, is a podiatrist experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot and ankle.
    Catherine Moyer, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • There is no evidence that that is happening in significant numbers, according to the Migration Policy Institute.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Experts in South Africa say there is no evidence of whites being targeted for their race, although farmers of all races are victims of violent home invasions in a country with a high crime rate.
    Gerald Imray, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Hours earned during the pre-apprenticeship program can be transferred over to the apprenticeship program, Apprenticeship Coordinator Kimberly Moore said, adding that the program is certified by the state through the Office of Skills Development.
    Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025
  • Sadly, no sign of appeal The First District refused to rehear its decision by all 13 members of the court but certified two key questions to the Supreme Court.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The seashore added that those who see wildlife in need of help can call its hotline at (252) 216-6892.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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