Synonyms for

Witness

Verb / ˈwɪtnʌs / Another word for witness — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to see or hear something happen, especially an accident or crime

Synonyms & similar words

looker witnesser see informant attestant attestator attestor find viewer watcher spectator observe see watch view perceive detect discern spot notice glimpse spy behold visualize experience undergo encounter confront face

Synonyms by register

Formal

observer spectator attendee deponent

Informal

onlooker eyewitness looker bystander

Literary

beholder gazer seer

Antonyms

ignoramus unaware stranger outsider nonparticipant

Common collocations

  • bear witness
  • witness protection
  • witness statement
  • witness account
  • witness to
  • witness the event
  • court witness

Word family

noun witness
verb witness
adjective witnessed

Usage note

As a noun, 'witness' often implies seeing an event directly. As a verb, it can mean to see or be present at an event, or to attest to something.

Example sentences

  1. I was a witness to the crime.
  2. Can you witness my signature on this document?
  3. The witness identified the suspect in the lineup.
  4. She witnessed the birth of her baby.
  5. He witnessed the destruction caused by the tornado.

Quotes

  • The best witness is an impartial witness.
  • A witness, in the sense that I am using the word, is a man whose life and faith are so completely one that when the challenge comes to step out and testify for his faith, he does so, disregarding all risks, accepting all consequences.
  • The witness of the resurrection is the Holy Spirit.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words