Synonyms

verify

American

[ver-uh-fahy] / ˈvɛr əˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

to prove the truth of, as by evidence or testimony; confirm; substantiate.

Events verified his prediction.
to ascertain the truth or correctness of, as by examination, research, or comparison.

to verify a spelling.

Synonyms:

validate, authenticate
to act as ultimate proof or evidence of; serve to confirm.
Law.
1. to prove or confirm (an allegation).
2. to state to be true, especially in legal use, formally or upon oath.

verify British

/ ˈvɛrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

to prove to be true; confirm; substantiate
to check or determine the correctness or truth of by investigation, reference, etc
law to add a verification to (a pleading); substantiate or confirm (an oath)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of verify

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English verifien, from Middle French verifier, from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from vēri- (combining form of vērus “true”) + -ficāre -fy

Explanation

When you verify something, you show that it's true. Do you have a photograph to verify your claim that there's a dinosaur in your backyard? Physical evidence and records are often used to verify what's happened. Your receipt verifies that you purchased the tall, striped hat you'd now like to return. You can also verify something verbally. Can you verify that your cat was home all evening on the night of the canary's "accident"?

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Vocabulary lists containing verify

List 1

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In most cases, Kalshi won’t verify the employment information provided by users unless the company learns of suspicious activity, a Kalshi spokeswoman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

He didn't ask us to verify who we were or offer any health checks for us to look at.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Menefee wrote on his campaign site that blockchain technology, the decentralized system used to record and verify crypto transactions, offers the potential to “increase trust, transparency and efficiency” with rules to protect consumers.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

“I merely want, Mr. Jaggers,” said I, “to assure myself that what I have been told is true. I have no hope of its being untrue, but at least I may verify it.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023