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Synonyms

notarize

American  
[noh-tuh-rahyz] / ˈnoʊ təˌraɪz /
especially British, notarise

verb (used with object)

  • notarizes,
    present (3rd person singular)
  • notarized,
    past participle,  past
  • notarizing
    present participle
  1. to certify (a document, contract, etc.) or cause to become certified through a notary public.


notarize British  
/ ˈnəʊtəˌraɪz /

verb

  1. (tr) to attest to or authenticate (a document, contract, etc), as a notary

"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

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Etymology

Origin of notarize

First recorded in 1925–30; notar(y) + -ize

Explanation

You usually have someone notarize your contract when you lease a car. In other words, she'll put a special, official stamp next to your signature and her own — certifying that you are in fact you. The verb notarize is most likely to come up in a lawyer's office or when you're signing a contract, a will, or some other legal document. A person certified to notarize documents is called a "notary public," and his job is to officially swear that he saw the contract or agreement get signed. The word "notary" was originally used to mean "secretary," but around the 14th century it took on the meaning of "person authorized to authenticate."

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Vocabulary lists containing notarize

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.

See Examples For:

It sounds simple, but there are other steps once you sign and notarize the paper, Saltarelli noted.

From MarketWatch Aug. 26, 2026

Philbrick, for her part, submitted an affidavit in support of Keough’s lawsuit that said she did not notarize any documents involving Presley.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 16, 2024

Taylor skips lunch to notarize papers and accept more closing requests, and while he’s multitasking, he calls to check on his 73-year-old dad.

From Washington Post Apr. 9, 2020

In order to notarize a document, the notary has to see both parties sign.

From Encyclopedia.com Mar. 21, 2018

To notarize the victory of his most despised rival?

From Slate Jul. 22, 2016

What should be in place for all minor children is a formal standby guardian designation in a will that is properly signed, witnessed and notarized.

From MarketWatch Aug. 26, 2026

Originally planning to get her papers notarized in the fall to finalize the sale, she watched her plan drag out.

From Slate Feb. 1, 2026

He and my mom made a will online that they notarized a few years ago, but I’ve been meaning to get a real elder-care attorney to make a new will or trust.

From MarketWatch Dec. 1, 2025

He had his signature notarized to make it official.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 23, 2025

“But that’s still no reason to say so, Chaplain, is it?” the officer chided tartly, frowning, and picked up still one more typewritten, notarized page from the folder.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

She rattled off a few recent expenses: notarizing documents for 4,300 euros, double normal, because her house is actually two properties.

From Slate Feb. 1, 2026

The judge found that the notary that signed the deed of trust from the said deal between Lisa Marie and Naussany Investment made in 2018 denies notarizing Lisa Marie Presley’s signature.

From Salon May 23, 2024

As an adult, Klater ran a cellphone and pager business, notarizing documents as an add-on to her services.

From Washington Times Feb. 20, 2021

Immigrant rights organizations have been actively distributing and notarizing guardian slips for their children to help families prepare for such a scenario.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 22, 2017

We were relieved early and walked over to the chapel, where Martinez sat notarizing inmate legal documents for an hour.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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