notarize
Americanverb (used with object)
-
notarizes,
present (3rd person singular)
-
notarized,
past participle, past
-
notarizing
present participle
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
notarizesimple
-
notarizessimple
-
have notarizedperfect
-
has notarizedperfect
-
am notarizingprogressive
-
are notarizingprogressive
-
is notarizingprogressive
-
have been notarizingperfect progressive
-
has been notarizingperfect progressive
Past
-
notarizedsimple
-
had notarizedperfect
-
was notarizingprogressive
-
were notarizingprogressive
-
had been notarizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of notarize
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."
Vocabulary lists containing notarize
100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Tangerine
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
My Name Is Not Easy
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
I just needed the bank to notarize a mortgage document.
From Washington Post ● May 20, 2022
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
Free templates for power-of-attorney and health-agent documents may be available from a state agency, and those will need to be signed by a witness or notarized.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 23, 2026
When she mailed a notarized document overnight to her father, who lives out of state, she had to walk only a few blocks from her encampment on 7th Street.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 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 had his signature notarized to make it official.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 23, 2025
He did so via an affidavit notarized in Berkeley on May 4, the day of Bush’s return appearance.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
![]()
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
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
He could be notarizing documents for someone, since he’s a notary public.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 5, 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
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.