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

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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

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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
Goetz argued the surveillance footage and witness descriptions did not identify the shooter and that prosecutors relied on speculation instead of proof. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 6 July 2026 The defense wanted the roommate to testify in person so Robinson could exercise his right challenge the credibility of witnesses against him. — ABC News, 5 July 2026
Verb
Economic progress slows when that guarantee is taken away, as Hong Kong has witnessed in its sad regression from the promises of an independent judiciary made in 1997. — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026 However, Tshikudi Jean, who witnessed the crash, told The Associated Press that the boat was carrying over 200 people. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 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 rested their case on Thursday, July 2, after about two weeks of testimony at the Guinn Justice Center courthouse in Cleburne.
    — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • His fears were rooted in delusions that also touched on the nation’s fentanyl crisis and the war in Ukraine, according to court testimony.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of testimony
Verb
  • But as anyone who has driven down such highways can attest, the rhythmic clack-clack sound of expansion joints built into the pavement can be annoying for motorists.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 7 July 2026
  • Anyone who goes through the churn of a major league season can attest to the emotional, mental and physical ups and downs that end up seeming normal.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of attest
Verb
  • Court documents say witnesses noticed Lopez acting strangely before the attack.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Soon though, Shawna noticed some of Zaayer's strange behaviors — including scolding her grandson, getting upset over cleaning habits and allegedly showing them racist videos.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of notice
Verb
  • King, who was willing to testify, ultimately elected not to on the grounds of his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
  • At one point, Erika and Kirk’s parents left the courtroom as Bagley began testifying about Kirk’s arrival on campus the day he was killed, the Associated Press reported.
    — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of testify
Verb
  • Your unconventional ideas land better when people can experience them instead of only hearing about them.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
  • BoccaLupo isn’t known for happy hour, but their tasting menu is a great way to experience a lot for a relatively low price.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of experience
Noun
  • The research behind scent training for dogs A growing body of evidence suggests that scent work is one of the most effective and accessible forms of enrichment available for anxious dogs.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • The attack, which was confirmed by local Russian officials, provides further evidence of Kyiv's enhanced long-range drone capabilities and comes on the eve of a crunch NATO summit.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Definition of evidence
Verb
  • If a simple majority of the workers vote to unionize, the union is then certified.
    — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • The logistics industry has adapted accordingly, finding new software to certify driver’s licenses and paperwork, as well as using generative AI to track cargo.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Definition of certify
Verb
  • The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.
    — Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • The pair even goes on a quasi-date playing beer pong this week with Kendall and Shai, who can see right through Liam’s act.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026
Definition of see

Phrases Containing witness

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witlessness
witness
witnessed
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Cite this Entry

“Witness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/witness. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on witness

Nglish: Translation of witness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about witness

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