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 bottle itself has been authenticated by David Maister. —Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Diamandis was there to authenticate the text message thread that included the text messages that led to Proctor’s downfall. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 2 June 2025 It was authenticated before being handed over to the Royals for safekeeping. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025 The guitar’s serial number is not known, but there is a unique tell that will allow it to be authenticated, according to Agnesi; the inlay on its 12th fret is solid, not split like the others on the neck, which was standard for the ES-345 at the time. —Gary Graff, Billboard, 3 June 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
  • Is the clinic internationally accredited or certified?
    — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 July 2025
  • Benefits of being certified include verification of GHG emissions and carbon sequestration claims, data analytics, benchmarking and advisory services, and use of the Regenagri trust mark for public claims.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 July 2025
Definition of certify
Verb
  • From finding quality products to verifying seller credibility and navigating custom craft templates, here are her top five tips for buying crafts on Etsy.
    — Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
  • Users who verify their humanness with an Orb can claim up to 39 Worldcoin crypto tokens, valued at approximately $45.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Definition of verify
Verb
  • The landmark amendment guaranteed citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., even former slaves.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus and $30 million guaranteed.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2025
Definition of guarantee
Verb
  • Officials have not yet confirmed the location of the Finalissima match.
    — Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Reid confirmed Tuesday that Moore had never played guard previously in his career.
    — Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025
Definition of confirm
Verb
  • In the interview, Snyder affirmed the company’s plans to pull out of its Irvine headquarters and relocate to Baldwin Park, which were announced last winter.
    — Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 21 July 2025
  • Opening Minds Others are curating spaces that are culturally affirming and educational.
    — Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
Definition of affirm
Verb
  • Any report from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank or investment banks like Goldman Sachs will attest to that.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • As renters in expensive cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can attest, rent control hasn’t kept their cities particularly affordable.
    — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 July 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 2 Aug. 2025.

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