authenticate

verb

ə-ˈthen-ti-ˌkāt How to pronounce authenticate (audio)
Definition of authenticatenext
1
as in to certify
to declare (something) to be true or genuine a jeweler authenticated the diamond as real

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to verify
to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of we require more than simply your word to authenticate this story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb authenticate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of authenticate are confirm, corroborate, substantiate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

When might confirm be a better fit than authenticate?

While the synonyms confirm and authenticate are close in meaning, confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

Where would corroborate be a reasonable alternative to authenticate?

The words corroborate and authenticate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

In what contexts can substantiate take the place of authenticate?

The words substantiate and authenticate can be used in similar contexts, but substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

When is it sensible to use validate instead of authenticate?

While in some cases nearly identical to authenticate, validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When can verify be used instead of authenticate?

Although the words verify and authenticate have much in common, verify implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at.

all statements of fact in the article have been verified

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 authenticate The telco that transmitted the spoofed robocalls also agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty for not authenticating the caller as required by FCC rules. —ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025 Once inside, authenticate them per session (instead of once at the perimeter). —Steve Rodda, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 PayPal authenticates users through their wallet and automatically fills in billing and shipping information, aiming to reduce friction. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 May 2025 With his collection authenticated, digitized and safely in Unicorn’s custody, Drousth can sit back and watch the weeklong online auction with a vested interest. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for authenticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for authenticate
  1. certify
  2. verify
  3. guarantee
  4. confirm
  5. affirm
  6. attest
Verb
  • When Culture Change Becomes A Game Everyone Knows How To Play Are you certified in pretending to learn while multitasking?
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Sometime Beatle publicist Derek Taylor pushed the idea that the album certified Brian Wilson as a genius, and this worked wonders for his reputation with British listeners and songwriters.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Definition of certify
Verb
  • Another measure requires state agencies — including the departments of Health, Education, Corrections, Children & Family Services and Motor Vehicles — to verify, track and report anyone illegally in the U.S. who is receiving state services.
    — Sara Cline, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • Consistent, accurate contact information helps both users and search engines verify your firm's legitimacy.
    — Anton Kovalchuk, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of verify
Verb
  • Though no losses are never guaranteed, trade structures can guarantee a max loss of a position, using things like call and put spreads to cap downside.
    — Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • These Quince flats are made with American cow leather and are guaranteed to be soft, but the real beauty is in the breathable design so your feet won’t get sweaty.
    — Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025
Definition of guarantee
Verb
  • Separately, a Downtown Fort Worth spokesperson confirmed this with the Star-Telegram and said there are no planned street closures around the event site.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025
  • Okay, now that that’s out of the way— Dua Lipa finally confirms her engagement to Callum Turner to British Vogue, after several months of rumors.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 13 June 2025
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • Watkins’ conviction was overturned in 2023, affirming his innocence after years of efforts by his family and the Georgia Innocence Project, according to the lawsuit.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
  • Illinois hospital emergency departments must continue to provide abortions when necessary to pregnant women whose health is in danger, despite a change in federal guidance earlier this week, state leaders affirmed Wednesday.
    — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
Definition of affirm
Verb
  • But as the grieving families of the passengers aboard the Air India flight could attest, loss of life is much worse.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 13 June 2025
  • As anyone who has attempted to bartend at an Airbnb can attest, sure, kinda.
    — Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 June 2025
Definition of attest

Browse Nearby Words

authentically
authenticate
authenticated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Authenticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/authenticate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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