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

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Recent Examples of witness

Noun

The witness had schizophrenia, and offered a shifting account of what happened, the defense wrote in court filings. —

CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024 The specific witness and notary requirements depend on your county’s regulations, so do your research ahead of time to ensure. —

Marisa Polansky and Kristine Keller, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Giants of Africa has witnessed time and again how basketball courts unite communities, foster teamwork, and instil confidence. —

Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The South Bay, Peninsula and East Bay witnessed heavy bouts of rain and wind all day, resulting in power outages across the region, but Sunday is expected to be milder, according to the National Weather Service. —

Hema Sivanandam, The Mercury News, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for witness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness

Noun

On the night before the verdict, they were joined by more than a dozen journalists, clambering for the best angle of their emerging messages, pasted up on walls already crowded by other snippets of testimony and poetry.

Catherine Porter, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
As this first episode unfolds, Preacher’s stubbornly optimistic about his chances of being acquitted and refuses to involve Paige and Christopher even though Brie, as Preacher’s lawyer, says Paige’s testimony about her late ex would pretty well put an end to the prosecution’s already weak case.

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024