attest

verb

at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
attested; attesting; attests
Synonyms of attest

transitive verb

1
a
: to affirm to be true or genuine
specifically : to authenticate by signing as a witness
b
: to authenticate officially
2
: to establish or verify the usage of
a word that was first attested in the 18th century
3
: to be proof of : manifest
Her record attests her integrity.
4
: to put on oath

intransitive verb

: to show, prove, or state that something is true or real
—usually used with to
I can attest to the truth of his statement.
attest to a belief
attester
ə-ˈte-stər How to pronounce attest (audio)
noun

Synonyms of attest

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certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something.

certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

Examples of attest in a Sentence

I can attest that what he has said is true. The certificate attests the authenticity of the painting.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Any manicure obsessive can attest to the fact that even the slightest difference in tone, finish, or opacity can completely transform a nail polish. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 After ten years of working at Harlow’s, Romandia attests that artists are attracted to playing at more intimate venues like Harlow’s in Sacramento. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 There are hard numbers that attest to the impact of these initiatives. — Melody Brue, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 My mom, who celebrated her 75th birthday with an 11-hour, standing-room-only musical festival at Slane Castle, can also attest. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for attest

Word History

Etymology

Middle French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- + testis witness — more at testament

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of attest was circa 1500

Rhymes for attest

See All Rhymes for attest

Browse Nearby Words

atterrate
attest
attestable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attest. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)
1
: to affirm to be true
2
: to be proof of
the result attests the truth of that statement
attestation
ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce attest (audio)
noun
attester
ə-ˈtes-tər How to pronounce attest (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

attest

verb
at·​test ə-ˈtest How to pronounce attest (audio)

transitive verb

: to bear witness to : affirm to be true or genuine
specifically : to authenticate (as a will) by signing as a witness

intransitive verb

: to bear witness : testify
—often used with to
attestation
ˌa-ˌtes-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce attest (audio)
noun
Etymology

Latin attestari, from ad to + testari to call to witness, from testis witness

More from Merriam-Webster on attest

Nglish: Translation of attest for Spanish Speakers

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