veritable

[ ver-i-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. being truly or very much so:

   a veritable triumph.

   Synonyms: utter, genuine, real

2. Obsolete. true, as a statement or tale.

veritable

/ ˈvɛrɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. (intensifier; usually qualifying a word used metaphorically)

   he's a veritable swine!

2. rare.
   genuine or true; proper

   I require veritable proof

Derived Forms

• ˈveritably, adverb
• ˈveritableness, noun

Other Words From

• veri·ta·ble·ness noun
• veri·ta·bly adverb
• non·veri·ta·ble adjective
• non·veri·ta·ble·ness noun
• non·veri·ta·bly adverb
• un·veri·ta·ble adjective
• un·veri·ta·ble·ness noun
• un·veri·ta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of veritable¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Anglo-French, Middle French. See verity, -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of veritable¹

C15: from Old French, from vérité truth; see verity

Synonym Study

See authentic.

Example Sentences

The good news for Girdusky is that Fox News is a veritable laugh-in when it comes to his type of humor.

From Salon

It’s largely focused on how the right's constitutional-sheriff myth has served to intensify threats to democracy in the 21st century, even as sheriffs claim to be veritable beacons of democracy.

From Salon

Described by blues-rock titan and mentor Buddy Guy as “the next explosion of the blues,” 25-year-old Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has wowed fans and critics alike with his incendiary guitar playing, velvety smooth vocals and expressive songwriting — a veritable triple threat.

From Los Angeles Times

A veritable ball of sunshine, Hammond has already become pretty well-loved among viewers as she brought her own brand of warmth to the tent.

From Salon

Supporters of gerrymandering claim that legislators remain accountable no matter what because they can in theory still be voted out—even though in practice it’s a veritable impossibility.

From Slate