witnessing

present participle of witness
1
as in attesting
to declare (something) to be true or genuine a notary public witnessing wills and other important documents

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2
3
as in testifying
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

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

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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 witnessing Dickinson then founded Singer Vehicle Design in 2009 after witnessing the strong reaction to the car among Porsche aficionados. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Young generations raised in the social media era are witnessing influencers making millions in real time. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 31 July 2026 For Wang, Magnolia Tree is meant to pay homage to a historic magnolia tree in the store’s backyard, quietly witnessing not only Shanghai’s ever-evolving street life but also an intimate encounter that ultimately inspired the collaboration. Denni Hu, Footwear News, 30 July 2026 This comprehensive guide explores 100 spectacular travel opportunities, including witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway, cruising down the Nile River and visiting Bhutan’s monasteries. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 28 July 2026 But there’s also an overwhelming clarity that comes from witnessing how fragile your own health is and having a few near misses. Nick Reilly, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026 In college, shadowing a labor and delivery nurse and witnessing my first birth only deepened this passion. Mara Evans, STAT, 27 July 2026 After witnessing the same families repeatedly return to his courtroom across generations, Judge Langer sought a new preventive approach that would support young parents in foster care. Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 While orcas, also known as killer whales, are apex predators that hunt a variety of marine animals, witnessing such an intense pursuit from a whale watching boat is a rare sight. Usa Today, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witnessing
Verb
  • Cadman pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy against rights and attesting to a false tax return and is awaiting sentencing.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
  • The secretary’s role also includes keeping the state seal and attesting to the governor’s signature on state documents.
    Mary Ella Hastings Updated July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, a legal services nonprofit, has been noticing an uptick in ICE arrests at airports around the region.
    Dennis Valera, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Your smartphone is enough to start noticing the world differently.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • On the second day of testimony in Lindsay Clancy’s triple-murder trial, her former husband finished testifying for the prosecution and faced cross-examination from his ex-wife’s attorney.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 29 July 2026
  • Mary would go on to be charged with Gary Hinman’s murder but received immunity in exchange for testifying against Manson and his followers Susan Atkins and Bobby Beausoleil.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • However, our findings demonstrate the risks faced by populations that are experiencing multiple, compounded hardships.
    Carina Heckert, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Duke, WakeMed, Novant and UNC health systems have enough blood on hand and are not experiencing disruptions, representatives told the Charlotte Observer.
    Eva Flowe July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • On March 23, 1932, the miners saw another step forward in guaranteeing their rights.
    Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • In February 2025, Sanders signed a bill guaranteeing every student free breakfast regardless of free or reduced lunch eligibility.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Mead played three different infield positions for the Nationals, seeing time at third base, first base and second base.
    Greg Dudek, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • With softball seeing continued audience growth during the Women’s College World Series, college regular season and now the AUSL, expectations are rising as the sport will make its return to the Olympics at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
    Molly Keshin, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Under new owner Tom Dundon, the Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing significant restructuring, marked by earlier layoffs of 70 front office staff.
    Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Or any other details in this first drive report—the hybrid Seltos is still undergoing its EPA certification, and Kia isn’t prepared to talk power, torque, or efficiency until that’s done and dusted.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • In 2025, McDonald’s DAR chapter in Mount Pleasant obtained a legal memorandum from the Center for American Liberty affirming the DAR’s right under the First Amendment to prohibit transgender members.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Executives overwhelmingly prioritize emotional intelligence, work ethic, and problem-solving for hiring and leadership, with 90% affirming their importance.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Witnessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witnessing. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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