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as in to guarantee
to declare (something) to be true or genuine experts certified the letter as indeed having been written by Abraham Lincoln

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb certify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certify are attest, vouch, and witness. While all these words 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

When would attest be a good substitute for certify?

The meanings of attest and certify largely overlap; however, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

In what contexts can vouch take the place of certify?

In some situations, the words vouch and certify are roughly equivalent. However, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When could witness be used to replace certify?

Although the words witness and certify have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

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 certify The cast recording became the first Broadway album to be certified diamond by the RIAA. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2025 Eternal spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified quadruple platinum. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 May 2025 Planned home births can be safe for healthy pregnancies when attended by a licensed midwife or certified professional with emergency training. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Hours earned during the pre-apprenticeship program can be transferred over to the apprenticeship program, Apprenticeship Coordinator Kimberly Moore said, adding that the program is certified by the state through the Office of Skills Development. Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for certify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certify
Verb
  • All they were guaranteed was pay for their work and a chance to apply for the lucrative scholarships.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense plan was inspired by Israel’s multitiered defenses Israeli leaders say the system isn’t 100% guaranteed, but credit it with preventing serious damage and countless casualties.
    Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Centralized registries could enable real-time tracking of donors.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The access also frequently gives the hackers the ability to move throughout a customer’s network, enabling attacks on other cloud services and internal corporate networks.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Who verified the authenticity of such serious accusations?
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025
  • In the Notify field, verify that your email address is correct.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • But all eyes are likely to be on A$AP Rocky, who’s done some scattered acting before, but who appears in his biggest role to date as Yung Felon, a part whose place in the story has yet to be revealed, but that’s been affirmed by Lee to be a major one.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • The new pope’s brother had to resolve an online dispute by affirming Leo is a fan of the South Side’s Chicago White Sox and not the North Side’s Cubs.
    Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández, The Conversation, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Secure burn barrels: If burning is authorized in your vicinity, ensure that all burn barrels feature a weighted metal cover with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
  • The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Enter your full name, email address, date of birth and other info to confirm your identity.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • By 1946, romance rumors started to swirl about the pair, and on July 9, 1947, they were confirmed when the two announced their engagement, and were married on Nov. 20 that same year.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The best petite denim skirts Those who have a little less natural height can attest that most skirts purchased are immediately dropped off at the tailor for hemming.
    Avery Matera, Glamour, 30 May 2025
  • Those of us who haven’t blotted the ’24 Sox out of our membranes can attest that the Rockies are substantially worse for one big reason — there is no Garrett Crochet on the staff to save them every fifth day.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • However, many also resonate with Kim and Lee Jun-seok’s warning that Lee Jae-myung’s presidency, despite the latter’s reassurances, could result in radical economic and political changes, empowered by the Democratic Party’s unchecked control of the executive and legislative branches.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • This empowering novel juxtaposes their stories, leaving readers questioning how much has really changed, and what if history was written by women after all?
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certify. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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