testify

verb

ˈte-stə-ˌfī How to pronounce testify (audio)
Definition of testifynext
as in to swear
to make a solemn declaration under oath for the purpose of establishing a fact several witnesses testified that they had seen the accused in the vicinity of the crime scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 testify The rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently taken a political turn to the right, testified before the United Nations about the oppression of Christians. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 On March 11, 2020, the day that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Fauci testified under oath that the death rate of coronavirus patients was 3%, up from an initial 2%. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 3 Aug. 2026 During those court proceedings, a psychiatrist testified Truelove had bipolar disorder symptoms and stopped taking medications. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 In July, a representative from the National Restaurant Association testified in front of lawmakers about the issue. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for testify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for testify
  1. swear
  2. witness
  3. attest
  4. verify
Verb
  • Even Jane Fonda, who swore Raman into office after her 2024 city council reelection, endorsed Karen Bass for mayor instead.
    — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 29 July 2026
  • However, the case is now headed for pretrial discovery, where both sides will be required to provide evidence, including emails, studies and sworn testimony, on the technological issues that are key to the case.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of swear
Verb
  • This time, the moon’s shadow will sweep from northern Russia across Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a tiny corner of Portugal, offering millions in Europe another chance to witness the fleeting phenomenon of totality.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Xi came to power after the 2008 protests in Tibet and deadly unrest in Xinjiang, another frontier region of modern China where ethnic minorities have long chafed under Beijing’s rule and witnessed a huge security crackdown.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of witness
Verb
  • 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
Definition of attest
Verb
  • The next law should make companies prove their systems can be contained, give government enough access to verify high-risk claims and give the public enough visibility to believe the bargain.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Freedom is sustained when facts can be verified, identities can be authenticated, contracts are honored, leaders earn confidence, institutions serve the public, and citizens keep faith with one another.
    — Keith Krach, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of verify

Phrases Containing testify

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testifies (to)
testify
testifying
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Cite this Entry

“Testify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/testify. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on testify

Nglish: Translation of testify for Spanish Speakers

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