witness 1 of 2

noun

ˈwit-nəs How to pronounce witness (audio)
Definition of witnessnext
as in testimony
something presented in support of the truth or accuracy of a claim the ruins are a compelling witness of the ancient civilization's cultural and aesthetic achievements

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

witness

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to attest
to declare (something) to be true or genuine a notary public witnessing wills and other important documents

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2
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes witnessed the crime

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to testify
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact I witnessed to the fact that I had seen them together that night

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4
as in to experience
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it war changes anyone who has ever witnessed it first hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb witness contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of witness are attest, certify, and vouch. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

When can attest be used instead of witness?

While the synonyms attest and witness are close in meaning, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

In what contexts can certify take the place of witness?

The meanings of certify and witness largely overlap; however, 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 witness?

In some situations, the words vouch and witness are roughly equivalent. However, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

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 witness
Noun
There had been witnesses over the four month trial the previous spring and summer that supported his claim. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026 The passenger exited the vehicle and went inside the residence to retrieve some clothes, the witness said, while Wimbley stayed in the vehicle. —Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. —Conor Wight, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Pacific Beach has witnessed our growth, our adventures and our return. —Karina Weisman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
  1. testimony
  2. attest
  3. notice
  4. testify
  5. experience
  6. evidence
  7. certify
  8. see
Noun
  • Maxwell could also hope to use her potential testimony before Congress as leverage going forward.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In some of the depositions, State Farm attorneys attempted to discredit their testimony.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of testimony
Verb
  • However, in December, the company issued a statement about Oklahoma homeowners claims that attested to close coordination with the insurance department.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • There’s the Catholic guilt which other Catholics can attest is long-suffering and never-ending.
    — Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of attest
Verb
  • The new law will give the California attorney general earlier access to federal HSR merger filings, so the office will have more time to review and challenge anticompetitive mergers and give businesses earlier notice to address any potential concerns, according to Umberg’s office.
    — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The reversal drew little public attention, and few outside the UK noticed any change.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • Jose Hidalgo testified after his arrest.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Mosseri is the first executive to testify in the landmark social media addiction trial against YouTube and Instagram parent company Meta in a suit brought by a now 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of testify
Verb
  • Meta points to difficult childhood Kaley experienced a difficult upbringing.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Of course, some of the best opportunities to experience the world's game will be unofficial and unplanned—from spontaneous pickup games to late-night football anthem sing-alongs.
    — Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • Wall Street wants to see evidence that these enormous expenditures will result in actual profits.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Cayenne Initial evidence suggests that combining turmeric with cayenne pepper may yield even stronger anti-inflammatory benefits.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of evidence
Verb
  • Democrat Joe Biden won Georgia by about 11,800 votes in an election overseen by a Republican secretary of state and certified by a Republican governor.
    — Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • That meant bills were not paid, the levy was not certified, and the audit was not accepted.
    — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of certify
Verb
  • In one of several photos included in the 3 million new Epstein files, Mountbatten-Windsor is seen kneeling on all fours over an unidentified woman on the ground.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • During the Super Bowl halftime show, the casita made an appearance again, and this time, the world would see its interior for the first time.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of see

Phrases Containing witness

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witlessness
witness
witnessed
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Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on witness

Nglish: Translation of witness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about witness

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