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Showing results for notarize. Search instead for unitarize.
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

Florida notary Kimberly L. Philbrick, whose signature appears on the alleged agreement between Lisa Marie Presley and Naussany Investments, claimed in an affidavit that she did not notarize the documents.

From Los Angeles Times May 21, 2024

I just needed the bank to notarize a mortgage document.

From Washington Post May 20, 2022

Another option is to notarize an agreement with an estate attorney.

From Slate Nov. 9, 2021

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

From Encyclopedia.com Mar. 21, 2018

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

You’d have to consult first, and then there are documents to sign, which also have to be notarized by an online service.

From MarketWatch Dec. 17, 2025

Instead, she could give him a loan, which is notarized and witnessed.

From MarketWatch Dec. 1, 2025

He had his signature notarized to make it official.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 23, 2025

Alice Paul immediately began collecting notarized depositions from the marchers to document the failures of the police department.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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

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