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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

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

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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.

With Apple, he adds, “your data is only used to execute your request, and outside experts can continue to verify this promise at any time.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The LA Local could not independently verify those claims beyond confirming the petition had been filed with the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Menefee wrote on his campaign site that blockchain technology, the decentralized system used to record and verify crypto transactions, offers the potential to “increase trust, transparency and efficiency” with rules to protect consumers.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

To verify the findings, the team partnered with scientists in Zurich who had developed mice lacking the PAM gene.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

“Someone must verify that work is actually being done.”

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

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