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
  • Robot backflips are becoming commonplace, but a front flip is significantly more difficult than a backflip, as any gymnast can attest.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Three successive passes in close proximity, which could have caused the drone to lose control, attesting to a desire to restrict free air movement in common areas.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 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
  • The committee, headed by Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, is investigating sanctuary cities, of which Boston is one. Also scheduled to testify are New York Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 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
  • Like anyone's high school class photograph, the 97th Oscar Nominees Official Photo is a blast to look at up close (and even wilder to experience in person).
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • McGarrigle also named Buckingham Television, his employer, in the suit, who launched an investigation into the incident and concluded there was not sufficient evidence, an HBO rep previously told Rolling Stone.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
  • After the panel of six men and six women was selected, the attorneys moved on to picking six alternate jurors who would hear the evidence but would not deliberate on the verdict unless one of the regular jurors was not able to participate.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Kettle & Fire also pays to certify its broth is free of any residue from the herbicide glyphosate and proudly displays that fact on its label.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies don’t have the forms to nominate officers and deputies, much less train and certify them.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hearn was also seen shoving rival promoter Ben Shalom as chaos reigned on stage.
    Ben Church, CNN, 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.

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