Synonym Chooser

How does the verb corroborate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of corroborate are authenticate, confirm, substantiate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

When is it sensible to use authenticate instead of corroborate?

Although the words authenticate and corroborate have much in common, authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

Where would confirm be a reasonable alternative to corroborate?

The synonyms confirm and corroborate are sometimes interchangeable, but confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

When is substantiate a more appropriate choice than corroborate?

The meanings of substantiate and corroborate largely overlap; however, 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 corroborate?

While in some cases nearly identical to corroborate, validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When could verify be used to replace corroborate?

In some situations, the words verify and corroborate 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 corroborate Emails between the recruiter and the Ritz Paris, seen by The Times, corroborate her account. Megan Specia, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 That finding corroborates studies on the long-term effects of air pollution, says Anthony Wexler, PhD, a researcher and professor at UC Davis in California. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Teen’s defense team says mother was violent towards her son Defense attorney Amy Thornhill, who represented the teen in court, said the claim that the teen dragged his mother into the house by her hair was not corroborated. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 The lawyer asked why prosecutors didn’t bring Shelton in to corroborate the claim. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for corroborate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for corroborate
Verb
  • The study confirmed that the MMR vaccine did not increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Earlier this week, during a meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia has offered to participate in nuclear talks between the US and Iran.
    Mohammed Tawfeeq and Donald Judd, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While none of the concepts discussed are new, Buffett reinforced insights relevant to the current state of investing, particularly Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance business.
    Bill Stone, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Grecian-style sleeveless gown was reinforced in the midsection but otherwise draped loosely toward the ground.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Check road conditions: Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions.
    Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 7 Mar. 2025
  • There was no sanitizer measured in a three-compartment sink or in buckets with wipe cloths, and employees did not know how to properly verify the quantity of sanitizer using test strips.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Use your learnings to bolster your security controls and processes—installing new security systems, improving security monitoring, training staff, tightening network access controls, and adjusting your incident response, business continuity, and recovery plans. 7.
    Michelle Drolet, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Poland, Spain, and Lithuania quickly responded to bolster Ukraine's position.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors argued that the crimes shared the same modus operandi and that many witnesses overlap.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • There was arguing between Sai and Steph about air signs, and chewing gum, and how long someone should be allowed to spend looking at the stars.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The success of The Onion Field proved to be a turning point for Wambaugh.
    Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Despite its name, the Hard Rock Rivera Maya proved to be all about relaxation.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Corroborate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/corroborate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on corroborate

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