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

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 witness

Noun

The lone witness at the hearing who was invited by Democrats, Janai Nelson, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, argued fiercely against Trump's plans. —

Cory Turner, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025 The public is asked to avoid the area, as Spring Street is closed from Temple Street to First Street while investigators gather evidence and search for witnesses, according to the LAPD. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

But what’s more remarkable is the shift that Moore is witnessing and leading in Hollywood. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025 Kilbride has witnessed that since Gallagher’s strong performance last summer. —

Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for witness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness

Noun

During testimony, Ephron said one bullet grazed his left hand, leaving visible wounds under his knuckles.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with details from Powell's testimony.

— Courtenay Brown, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025