CERTIFY Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'certify' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certify are attest , vouch , and witness . While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal. // certified that the candidate had met all requirements

Q: When would 'attest' be a good substitute for 'certify'?

The meanings of attest and certify largely overlap; however, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses. // attested to the authenticity of the document

Q: In what contexts can 'vouch' take the place of 'certify'?

In some situations, the words vouch and certify are roughly equivalent. However, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person. // willing to vouch for her integrity

Q: When could 'witness' be used to replace 'certify'?

Although the words witness and certify have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness. // witnessed the signing of the will

certify

verb

ˈsər-tə-ˌfī

Definition of certify next

as in to guarantee

to declare (something) to be true or genuine experts certified the letter as indeed having been written by Abraham Lincoln

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as in to enable

to give official or legal power to certified her as a teacher

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to verify

to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of please bring in a doctor's note to certify that you were really sick

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb certify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certify are attest, vouch, and witness. While all these words mean "to testify to the truth or genuineness of something," certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

certified that the candidate had met all requirements

When would attest be a good substitute for certify?

The meanings of attest and certify largely overlap; however, attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

attested to the authenticity of the document

In what contexts can vouch take the place of certify?

In some situations, the words vouch and certify are roughly equivalent. However, vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

willing to vouch for her integrity

When could witness be used to replace certify?

Although the words witness and certify have much in common, witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

witnessed the signing of the will

Examples 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 certify Twenty Carroll County Public Schools’ classroom teachers were among the first graduates of McDaniel College’s three-semester course designed to help more teachers become certified by the National Board. —

Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 The Santa Clara County Fire Department has 240 career firefighters with 10 volunteers who are fire-suppression certified, and another six who perform community outreach and share fire education. —

Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 Residents should also be aware that home water treatment devices are not certified to make extremely contaminated water safe. —

Andrew J. Whelton, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 The 6th of the month marked the fourth anniversary of the infamous attack on the Capitol as well as the day that Congress certified the results of the 2024 Election. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for certify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for certify

Verb

The big picture: There is broad support for the idea of diversity inside companies. 61% of those surveyed said diverse employees have a positive impact on organizations, and 75% agreed that more needs to be done to guarantee everyone is advancing.

— Emily Peck, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
The ceasefire is not guaranteed to continue beyond the first phase of the deal.

— Lauren Kent, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025