WITNESS Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

witness 1 of 2

noun

ˈwit-nəs

Definition of witness next

as in testimony

something presented in support of the truth or accuracy of a claim the ruins are a compelling witness of the ancient civilization's cultural and aesthetic achievements

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

witness

2 of 2

verb

as in to attest

to declare (something) to be true or genuine a notary public witnessing wills and other important documents

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as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes witnessed the crime

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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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

Examples 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

The witnesses followed the defense team's first two character witnesses who testified Monday, including Penny's older sister, Jackie. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 With the defense having failed to get a gag order on witnesses or see the case tossed out on allegations of government leaks, the road to that trial is looking increasingly to be full of potholes. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

Verb

Still, fans of Cooper like Rebecca Ufford, who traveled from Michigan to Mexico City to witness the pageant, are still beaming with pride for the success of one of Michigan’s daughters. —

Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 17 Nov. 2024 According to Smith, officers responded to shots fired around 1 a.m. Friday in the area of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue before police witnessed a second shooting about a block away, A total of nine people were hit by gunfire, in which two were pronounced dead, according to police. —

Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for witness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness

Noun

At that emotional hearing, Judge Rupert Wilhoit found probable cause that Stines had shot Mullins and allowed the case to move forward after attendees were shown a 24-second video of the shooting and heard testimony from a Kentucky State Police detective who's investigated the case.

Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
The task force has been working for two years, hearing testimony from experts and local government advocates about all kinds of taxes, from income to property and corporate taxes.

Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024