witness 1 of 2

witness

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
In contrast, Tai — who eventually becomes a powerful lawyer as an adult — often relies on buttering up her witnesses and using courtroom theatrics to get her point across. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025 The outlet reported that the allegations have caused a disciplinary trial with 1,400 pages of testimony, more than a dozen witnesses, and 38 security cameras. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Between April and October 2024, the brand witnessed strong sales growth year-on-year, with Australia up 66 percent; the U.K. 61 percent, and New Zealand 57 percent. Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 The American dream is unstoppable and our country is on the verge of a comeback, the likes of which the world has never witnessed and perhaps will never witness again. NPR, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
Noun
  • In her 1971 testimony, Atkins claimed that the motivation for the Tate-LaBianca murder spree stemmed from Hinman’s death.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The judge said video evidence and a state trooper’s own testimony contradicted the official police version of events.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His 12 fight-night bonus awards in 12 UFC outings can attest to that.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • And that god, as any parent of a teenager can attest, can be judging and unforgiving.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Over time, Fineman noticed that Peach was growing more lethargic, agitated, and itchy, which interrupted the peace of his beloved routine.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas keeps a tally of layoff notices.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many of the state bills to ease residency requirements have been based on model legislation from the Cicero Institute, a conservative think tank that sent representatives to testify to legislatures after proposing such programs in 2020.
    Arielle Zionts, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The appeals court noted in its ruling that women had been allowed to testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
    Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The country experienced a 15 percent rise in marriages last year and a modest baby bump—the first in nine years—this was attributed to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • At only age 51, Deter had been experiencing memory problems, disorientation and hallucinations.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Neymar’s return to Santos has not been treated by some as a glorious homecoming, but rather as a symbol of disappointment, another piece of evidence to support the idea that his career has been… if not a failure, certainly a bit of a letdown.
    Nick Miller, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Hochman announced Friday he's asked the court to deny the brothers' habeas corpus petition, arguing the new evidence isn't credible or admissible.
    Matt Gutman, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The petition — sponsored by Charlie Angus, a member of Parliament who has in the past called for Musk to be investigated over potential election interference — needed at least 500 signatures to be certified for presentation to the House of Commons.
    Avery Lotz, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025
  • After certifying, the camerlengo will assist other cardinals in the preparation for the papal election, or conclave.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For years, Broccoli and Wilson resisted the siren call to fully exploit the property that is based on Ian Fleming’s spy novels across multiple platforms and sometimes didn’t see eye-to-eye with each other, according to insiders.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The trailer above, which dropped on Wednesday, introduces you to the new couples fighting to see if their love can withstand temptation and drama, but there’s a catch.
    Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on witness

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