swear
verb (used without object)
to make a solemn declaration or affirmation by some sacred being or object, as a deity or the Bible.
have sworn
-
present perfectof swear.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Sherry Turkle could have sworn the writer Susan Sontag had an anecdote about death and technology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
When Les Bleus appeared, you'd have sworn we were in Paris.
From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2026
“The Constitution,” he declared, “does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders—especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it.”
From Slate ● Apr. 16, 2025
“I could have sworn she was standing right beside me about two years ago,” Johnson as the former president said.
From Salon ● Oct. 13, 2024
As she lay there staring up at the stained canvas, she could have sworn she saw movement out of the corner of her eye: Nin stirring beneath the mound of clothing.
From "The Reader" by Traci Chee
