witness 1 of 2

noun

ˈwit-nəs How to pronounce witness (audio)
Definition of witnessnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

witness

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to attest
to declare (something) to be true or genuine a notary public witnessing wills and other important documents

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes witnessed the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 case was also plagued with irregularities and inconsistencies involving witnesses and evidence. —Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2025 The vehicle that was struck spun and was sent into a tractor-trailer, the witness told police. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
When totality reached cities across the U.S., schools let out, work was put on hold and people took a moment to witness what was very likely a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic display. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Some people in Atlanta witnessed an unfortunate sight on Sunday: a dead horse lying in a bustling area. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for witness
  1. testimony
  2. attest
  3. notice
  4. testify
  5. experience
  6. evidence
  7. certify
  8. see
Noun
  • Prosecutors noted that some relatives will be on the witness list, and as such, shouldn't be allowed to observe testimony in the case prior to taking the stand themselves.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • So the analysis confirmed the testimony of naval architect Edward Wilding—who helped design Titanic—as to how a ship touted as unsinkable could have met such a fate.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of testimony
Verb
  • As as Oklahoma and USC, which suffered the devastating break in JuJu Watkins’ knee injury, can attest, an opponent can only pick its poison against UConn now.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2025
  • To become a saint, however, miracles do need to be attested.
    — Time, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of attest
Verb
  • According to the Miami Herald, a separate guest stayed in the room with Tillman's dead body in the closet, but didn't notice it.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Filing electronically is usually the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refunds, as the system flags common errors that taxpayers may otherwise not notice.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of notice
Verb
  • The jury’s acquittals were unusual because the Justice Department rarely loses such cases in South Florida — recognized as the nation’s healthcare fraud capital — particularly those involving defendants like the three defendants who pleaded guilty and testified against the co-conspirators at trial.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
  • First responders later testified that Read tried to perform CPR on O'Keefe.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of testify
Verb
  • From an operational standpoint, companies can also experience a significant decrease in administrative overhead, freeing up valuable resources and streamlining processes.
    — Nick Rowe, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Jenkins experienced the power of Fred Rogers’ mass audience almost immediately.
    — Gayle F. Wald, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of experience
Noun
  • At present, there is no evidence supporting his statement that grocery prices are improving.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Reuters reported that there was no evidence that this was the case.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of evidence
Verb
  • X-ray techs usually have an associate degree in radiologic technology, pass a licensing test, and get certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Newsweek reached out to veterinary professional and certified animal behaviorist Michelle Bernstein to find out if cats can fall in love.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of certify
Verb
  • Comments James Cameron has unveiled the first official footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash, though the general public may have to wait a little longer to see it.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Click here to see more photos of the Philadelphia home.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of see

Phrases Containing witness

Browse Nearby Words

witlessness
witness
witnessed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on witness

Nglish: Translation of witness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about witness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All