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

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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.

BBC London has seen adverts on Booking.com and Airbnb which appear to be for a social home - although cannot independently verify it's the same property.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026

The time it takes to verify that a tenant’s income meets the tax credit’s requirements and prep units for move-in played a role in the struggle to fill vacant units built with the federal subsidy.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026

While border officials contact authorities nationwide to verify the identity of those who don't have any form of ID, the process for newly arrived Afghans can be bewildering.

From Barron's • Jul. 3, 2026

MarketWatch also examined the filings to verify the accuracy of Braziel’s comments.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

For that reason she felt no compulsion to verify herself—be consistent with herself.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

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