attest

verb

ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
Definition of attestnext
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
as in to verify
to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of I'll attest that she was at the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Those who have tried to catch a dragonfly can attest to this. —Etiido Uko march 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026 Our editors can attest that Makeup by Mario’s Pigment Pro Pencil combines intense pigment with serious staying power. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026 Those who saw him on the scout team in practice all season would attest to that. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 But modern-day ranchers here will attest that the semi-arid Malpai borderlands make for an ideal grazing habitat. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
  1. certify
  2. testify
  3. verify
  4. guarantee
  5. confirm
  6. affirm
  7. argue
  8. witness
Verb
  • Those results were certified by the National Labor Relations Board March 24.
    — Chase Jordan April 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Launching in November 2020, the six-month mission was the first to the orbital outpost after the Dragon crew capsule was certified for spaceflight under a partnership between NASA and SpaceX.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of certify
Verb
  • Hernandez didn’t meet clients, their families or their doctors in person and couldn’t possibly know better than caseworkers what was best for them, Senrra testified.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Family members of the Crane baby are scheduled to testify on April 28 to help a judge determine the extent of the damages owed to the family.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of testify
Verb
  • An administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Earlier Monday, the CBS News Confirmed team verified images from the attack that left 10 service members wounded last week.
    — Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of verify
Verb
  • The executive order Trump signed his first day back in office challenges the longstanding interpretation of a 19th century constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship to nearly everyone.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Though the Dodgers likely have the best roster in baseball, that doesn't guarantee a World Series victory.
    — Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of guarantee
Verb
  • Licata officially appointed as FWISD’s acting superintendent The Board of Managers unanimously voted to confirm Licata as the school district’s superintendent.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Perry's representative confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the workers were eventually allowed to hold onto the gift cards after confusion was cleared up.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • These artifacts affirmed that writing was both a life-spanning enterprise and a way of life.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Changing one's gender on official documents, gender-affirming care and any public representation of gay or transgender people are banned in Russia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of affirm
Verb
  • Prosecutors argue that Duckett was a monster in disguise who abused the badge and brutally raped and killed Teresa before dumping her body in a lake.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of argue
Verb
  • Now, students in his intro to space class get to witness a moon mission themselves.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Courage is still meaningful, even if few others witness it.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of witness

Browse Nearby Words

attenuating
attest
attestation
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Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attest. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of attest for Spanish Speakers

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