Synonym Chooser

How does the verb confirm contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of confirm are authenticate, corroborate, substantiate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

When is authenticate a more appropriate choice than confirm?

While the synonyms authenticate and confirm are close in meaning, authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

When is it sensible to use corroborate instead of confirm?

While in some cases nearly identical to confirm, corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

When could substantiate be used to replace confirm?

The synonyms substantiate and confirm are sometimes interchangeable, but substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

In what contexts can validate take the place of confirm?

The meanings of validate and confirm largely overlap; however, validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When would verify be a good substitute for confirm?

In some situations, the words verify and confirm are roughly equivalent. However, verify implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at.

all statements of fact in the article have been verified

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 confirm Screenwriter Zak Penn—who wrote PCU with then writing partner Adam Leff—embraces his role as one of the rule’s parents and confirms its origins in their script. Brendan Hay, SPIN, 24 Feb. 2025 IndieWire can confirm that Eddie Redmayne, Tessa Thompson, and Patsy Ferran will lead the film. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025 While The Charlotte Observer cannot confirm or deny the hyperbole, two things can be proven in regards to the downtown main street: infrastructure construction is complete and many more people are calling Union Street home. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025 As first reported by Axios and confirmed by Variety, Disney is changing the disclaimer that autoplays before these titles. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confirm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confirm
Verb
  • Critically, each action is verified and judged by an expert panel (including Duarte).
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The letters have not been independently verified by Newsweek.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump approved Kentucky's request for a disaster declaration, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts throughout the state.
    CBS News, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • If your claim is approved, you should be reimbursed by a direct deposit into your bank account or with a paper check in the mail.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • During his speech in Germany, Vance sharply criticized European governance, arguing that the continent faced internal problems and that its commitment to democracy and free speech was struggling.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
  • While it can be argued that the 20th century was defined by long-term employment and prioritizing a sense of stability, the modern landscape—carved in large by younger generations—revolves around personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The provision was ratified in the late nineteen-eighties, but conservatives allied with the country’s agricultural lobby have long impeded its enforcement.
    Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1951 following the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to four terms between 1933 and 1945.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The overdraft fee rule was finalized and set to take effect in October, but Vought’s directive puts it on hold.
    Cora Lewis, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Three of these four regulations were finalized as part of former President Joe Biden’s broader effort to encourage the oil and gas industry to transition to renewable energy.
    Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print. Find more Picture Prompts here.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The contract states that qualified residents from Carroll County will be accepted.
    Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confirm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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