attest

1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine the appraiser attests that the lamp is indeed an original Tiffany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact an eyewitness who will attest to my innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attest are certify, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

When would certify be a good substitute for attest?

The words certify and attest can be used in similar contexts, but 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 attest?

The meanings of vouch and attest largely overlap; however, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When is witness a more appropriate choice than attest?

Although the words witness and attest 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 attest Anyone who has experienced the blistering pain associated with biting into a fresh apple pastry or taking a swig of hot coffee can attest to the importance of blowing on your food or drink before introducing it to your mouth. Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Marlee Matlin has counted Henry Winkler as a close friend for decades, as a new documentary about the Oscar-winning actress attests. Jack Smart, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025 Proof of that legacy comes with D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, Terry Lewis and Living Colour’s Vernon Reid attesting to the Family Stone’s massive popularity at the time over footage of the group rocking the stage. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2025 As the countless Brazilians who flooded the Academy’s YouTube page can attest, Walter Salles’s family drama had the morning’s most unexpectedly strong showing. Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for attest 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • Each location has unique factors including weather patterns, traffic volume and geographic features that trainees must master before becoming certified.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Then-State’s Attorney Jack O’Malley, a Republican who served from 1990 to 1996, challenged the union drive by asking a Cook County judge to halt state and local labor relations boards from certifying the petition to unionize from the Prosecutors’ Bar Association of Cook County.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Baker testified to Congress in December that the NCAA needed legal clarity around the issue of transgender athletes, while also estimating there were fewer than 10 trans athletes among the 530,000 competing at roughly 1,100 member schools.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Company representatives also testified to the legislature this week in opposition to a bill that would reduce the number of commissioners on the authority.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Newsweek has not independently verified the claims Mace made during her speech.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Experience the place and the work While the author has verified that the novel takes place in Bordighera, the setting of the 2017 adaption was largely filmed in Crema, Lombardy.
    Becca Blond, AFAR Media, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Introduced in 2016, charter agreements were meant to bring stability and investment opportunities by guaranteeing teams access to races and a portion of the revenue.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Therefore, quality and safety of supplements are not guaranteed.
    Patty Weasler, RN, BSN, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Kennedy has campaigned against vaccines for decades and he's expected to be confirmed this week.
    Maria Godoy, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
  • And any new spending must be paid for, while the Senate parliamentarian must also sign off on the package to confirm that the provisions have direct budgetary consequences.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 2017, the federal appeals court for the Second Circuit, in affirming Mr. Ulbricht’s conviction, acknowledged the severe nature of the punishment.
    David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Still, American democracy has proven to be resilient, and Congress, the branch of government closest to the people, was coming together to affirm the choice of Americans.
    LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • First, the firm argues that the company’s intrinsic value has been obscured by its inefficient conglomerate structure, resulting in it trading in line with its lowest multiple refining segment despite a majority of EBITDA coming from its other premium businesses.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025
  • While it can be argued that the 20th century was defined by long-term employment and prioritizing a sense of stability, the modern landscape—carved in large by younger generations—revolves around personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Dozens of Hollywood notables and celebrities are in New Orleans on Sunday to witness the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles during football’s biggest night.
    Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Feb. 2025
  • And yet … Mahomes is the best quarterback most have ever witnessed (apologies, Steve Pisarkiewicz) and Reid has earned his spot on the coaching Mt. Rushmore.
    Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near attest

Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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