witness 1 of 2

witness

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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
Laffont and Parker are Renée’s primary sounding boards for their investigation into Driscoll, Olivas, and the other dirty cops, and Rawls pounds the pavement to search for witnesses and suspects to their various cold cases. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 July 2025 Bullets rained down on the crowd, striking the three women, along with multiple occupied and unoccupied cars, as children and families ran for cover, according to the attorneys and witnesses. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Verb
But all of us will witness the suffering and despair. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 After witnessing Helene’s destruction, Hurlbert has a sense of how words can fail to provide the comfort needed in the aftermath of tragedy. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
Noun
  • Bell’s 73-year-old aunt, Paula Goins, who worked 35 years for a federal court and arrived in a wheelchair, brought up Dozier in her testimony.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The eyewitness testimony at his trial was unreliable, but Duncan's lawyer offered only a minimal defense, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
    Terry Gross, NPR, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Any report from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank or investment banks like Goldman Sachs will attest to that.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • As renters in expensive cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can attest, rent control hasn’t kept their cities particularly affordable.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • McGee, the driver of the car, is also expected to testify.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • Scott has since agreed to a plea deal and testified as a key witness for the prosecution in Serafini’s trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Report on Shamblin Lara's death two years later said crash could have been avoided and that pilot Joe Lara experienced spatial disorientation.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
  • Journey with Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to experience a classic story with distinctly local flair.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed there was evidence to prosecute former President Barack Obama for his administration’s intelligence assessment of Russia’s 2016 election interference.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2025
  • Yet this evidence still isn't reflected in standard care.
    Ashley Austin, Time, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Is the clinic internationally accredited or certified?
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 July 2025
  • Benefits of being certified include verification of GHG emissions and carbon sequestration claims, data analytics, benchmarking and advisory services, and use of the Regenagri trust mark for public claims.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Friday, July 25 8 p.m. ET: Great White Reign of Terror - In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasn’t seen an attack in decades.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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