witness 1 of 2

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

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
But some lawmakers — including Johnson — are openly wondering if Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence, would be a credible witness. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 23 July 2025 At least two dozen defendants and one witness in criminal cases in metro Denver have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported in the middle of ongoing state prosecutions since September, The Denver Post found. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Verb
But all of us will witness the suffering and despair. Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 After witnessing Helene’s destruction, Hurlbert has a sense of how words can fail to provide the comfort needed in the aftermath of tragedy. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
Noun
  • Bell’s 73-year-old aunt, Paula Goins, who worked 35 years for a federal court and arrived in a wheelchair, brought up Dozier in her testimony.
    The Marshall Project, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • The eyewitness testimony at his trial was unreliable, but Duncan's lawyer offered only a minimal defense, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
    Terry Gross, NPR, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Any report from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank or investment banks like Goldman Sachs will attest to that.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • As renters in expensive cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can attest, rent control hasn’t kept their cities particularly affordable.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.
    Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Martin Ritchey testified in favor of HB 3022 when it was proposed in 2019.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Per the New York Times, Huang engaged in months of lobbying for the policy change, meeting with Trump, testifying before Congress, and working closely with White House allies like AI adviser David Sacks.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Journey with Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to experience a classic story with distinctly local flair.
    Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 22 July 2025
  • Report on Shamblin Lara's death two years later said crash could have been avoided and that pilot Joe Lara experienced spatial disorientation.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • To date, she is believed to have been abducted, but extensive investigations have failed to uncover any concrete evidence as to what happened or where her remains could be.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed there was evidence to prosecute former President Barack Obama for his administration’s intelligence assessment of Russia’s 2016 election interference.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Benefits of being certified include verification of GHG emissions and carbon sequestration claims, data analytics, benchmarking and advisory services, and use of the Regenagri trust mark for public claims.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 July 2025
  • Is the clinic internationally accredited or certified?
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • Some spots of fire east of the freeway were seen, along with south of Lindbergh Hill, the team said.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 20 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on witness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!