veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce veritable (audio)
Synonyms of veritable
: being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary
often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor
a veritable mountain of references
veritableness noun
veritably adverb

Did you know?

Veritable, like its close relative verity (“truth”), came to English through Anglo-French from Latin. Its ultimate source is the adjective vērus, meaning “true,” which also gave English verify, aver, and verdict. Veritable is often used as a synonym of genuine or authentic (“a veritable masterpiece”), but it is also frequently used to stress the aptness of a metaphor, often with a humorous tone (“a veritable swarm of lawyers”). In the past, language commentators objected to the latter use, but today it doesn’t draw much criticism.

Examples of veritable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hollywood nostalgia Inside the Geronimo Springs Museum in Truth or Consequences is a veritable shrine to Edwards, who died in 2005 at age 92. Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River sustain a veritable backcountry zoo; visitors are likely to spot golden eagles, turkeys, elk, and collared lizards, among other species. Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 26 June 2026 Turn your home into a veritable burger joint with this nifty set. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 The main cast is a veritable potpourri of icons. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for veritable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "reliable, honest, true, factual," borrowed from Anglo-French (continental Old French, "real, true"), from verité "truth, verity" + -able -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of veritable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Veritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veritable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

veritable

adjective
ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce veritable (audio)
: actual, true
often used to stress the appropriateness of a metaphor
a veritable mountain of papers
veritably adverb

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