attest

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

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 As billions of people can attest, giving birth is hard for humans. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 Richardson attested to how her own health has benefited significantly from taking GLP-1 drugs and said more Californians should be able to afford these medications that can address a range of health issues. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 Mom of three and AD contributor Vy Yang can attest that this durable rocker remains a favorite cozy seat in the home well into the preschool years. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 And as many police officers will attest, those investments make policing more effective, not less. Diane Goldstein, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attest
Verb
  • If a simple majority of the workers vote to unionize, the union is then certified.
    Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The logistics industry has adapted accordingly, finding new software to certify driver’s licenses and paperwork, as well as using generative AI to track cargo.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • King planned to have King’s wife retrieve them after his indictment, Arriola testified.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
  • Zarrius also testified about his actions afterward, saying they were done in a panic.
    Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Throughout June, The Times verified Ukrainian strikes on oil and gas storage facilities, compression stations and power plants.
    Marc Santora, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • At the streaming giant’s request, both Kalshi and Polymarket have now removed Spotify’s logo from their markets and adjusted their language to avoid implying that Spotify had verified its chart results.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Baking this mac and cheese on a sheet pan guarantees creamy centers and crispy edges in every bite.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Having the gene does not guarantee a diagnosis later on, but compared to people with other APOE variants in their genome, the likelihood is significantly higher.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Pat George, a frequent flier, avoided a line at the Admirals Club in Miami because a representative called ahead to a second lounge near Gate D15 to confirm there was no wait.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Although the panel date has not been confirmed, the members and the team behind the webcomic will be on it to chat about their upcoming plans.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that states may ban trans athletes from girls and women’s teams, affirming policies in 27 states.
    Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 3 July 2026
  • The last chapters of Jones’s book are filled with meditations on mortality that are both life affirming and sweet.
    Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Rodríguez Castro witnessed his grandfather sign the accord with the Obama administration.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Having witnessed centuries of religious warfare in Europe, when millions were killed for their beliefs, the framers took pains to make sure nothing like that would happen here.
    Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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