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

Examples 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 Registrants can attest to the location of their home on voter registration forms. Tom Hals, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024 Anyone who has been part of an organization that suffered a ransomware attack will attest that the time frame from attack to resolution is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty, turning stakeholder communication during this time into a veritable minefield. Sandra Pretorius, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Mother-of-three Yvonne Strahovski can attest to that. Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 31 Oct. 2024 As Hall's fantasy owners throughout his career can attest, the speedy third-year back dominates the touches just about everywhere but inside the red zone. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attest 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • But beating the Eagles — on the road and in a short week — would certify Washington in a way the previous 10 weeks haven’t.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The effort to deny Trump’s 2020 defeat centered on the role of Congress, each January 6th after an election year, in certifying the results of the Electoral College.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Last year, Honda and Toyota, who make more vehicles than any other carmaker in the United States, testified in Congress that their research and dealers say consumers are not ready yet.
    Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Then Ortiz and Odin’s mother testify, and court is adjourned for the day.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Finally, 93% of the deliveries were completed with no attempt to verify the buyer’s age.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Educating employees—especially those in finance roles—about the risks of fraudulent invoices and how to verify payment requests would be wise for organizations to prioritize in light of novel cyberattacks like this.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Neither candidate is an incumbent, guaranteeing someone new will be joining the school board.
    Alexcia Negrete, Orange County Register, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The primary result underscored Trump’s influence in the district and almost guaranteed Wied's victory on Tuesday.
    Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Zhenya also checks the public records of all 50 states and confirms that he is not licensed to practice architecture anywhere in the U.S. and thus legally can’t call himself an architect.
    Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
  • This confirmed that the original milk-raiding birds were passing on their methods to various flocks.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The pastor-film producer has been quietly spotted out with his new lady, but didn’t formally affirm his relationship until Saturday (Nov. 2) at the 14th Annual Merge Awards.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Clips show Harris affirming her support for federal policies that allow federal prisoners access to medical care including gender-affirming hormone treatments and, potentially, transgender surgery.
    Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Eichner argued that building what zoning allowed would mean a market-rate development — that is, condos.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The political scientist Joseph Nye has argued that these American ideals are a core component of U.S. soft power.
    Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • According to Smith, officers responded to shots fired around 1 a.m. Friday in the area of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue before police witnessed a second shooting about a block away, A total of nine people were hit by gunfire, in which two were pronounced dead, according to police.
    Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Across Greenland, locals are witnessing first-hand the effects of global warming.
    Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near attest

Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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