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
  • Hoffner did confirm that all 25 locations were owned by one franchise-owner, which continues to own and operate other Dairy Queen restaurants in the state.
    Alana Edgin, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The team confirmed the change as the Yankees began spring training in Florida over the weekend.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 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
  • Critically, each action is verified and judged by an expert panel (including Duarte).
    Vitas Carosella, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • In his request, Zambada argued that the legality of his entering the United States has not been verified and asked that he instead be tried in Mexico, according to a report in Mexico's Reforma newspaper Friday.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Feb. 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
  • The administration argues that the policies in these areas prevent ICE agents from effectively carrying out their work.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In an interview with Sky Sport before Liverpool’s convincing win over Manchester City earlier this month, Salah—while respecting opposing marksman Erling Haaland’s talents—argued the number nine’s job is more straightforward than hitting the same heights from the wing (German).
    Henry Flynn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Despite its name, the Hard Rock Rivera Maya proved to be all about relaxation.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Pro-Palestinian sentiments still run strong among the peoples of the region, and history has proven how civil unrest can quickly lead to instability even in nominally stable nations.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 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 10 Mar. 2025.

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