verify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to prove the truth of, as by evidence or testimony; confirm; substantiate.
Events verified his prediction.
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to ascertain the truth or correctness of, as by examination, research, or comparison.
to verify a spelling.
- Synonyms:
- validate, authenticate
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to act as ultimate proof or evidence of; serve to confirm.
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Law.
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to prove or confirm (an allegation).
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to state to be true, especially in legal use, formally or upon oath.
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verb
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to prove to be true; confirm; substantiate
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to check or determine the correctness or truth of by investigation, reference, etc
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law to add a verification to (a pleading); substantiate or confirm (an oath)
Other Word Forms
- nonverifiable adjective
- preverify verb (used with object)
- reverify verb (used with object)
- unverifiability noun
- unverifiable adjective
- verifiability noun
- verifiable adjective
- verifiableness noun
- verifiably adverb
- verifier noun
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"?
Vocabulary lists containing verify
List 1
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Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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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.
The BBC has not been able to independently verify her account or identity, but has contacted her attorney for comment.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
Auditors are required to examine specific business transactions and financial documents to verify that they actually exist, and are recorded and accounted for accurately.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
If a system fails to verify a delivery, the food cannot be released, insured, sold, or legally distributed.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
I have to verify each client’s identity with an ID and a Social Security card, and then they sit and wait while I prepare their return and it’s reviewed, in case there are any questions.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
“Today,” says the captain in his most commanding voice, “I shall share a tale of these waters that I do not need a lore-master to verify, for this one I know by heart.”
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
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.
