corroborate
Americanverb (used with object)
adjective
verb
adjective
-
serving to corroborate a fact, an opinion, etc
-
(of a fact) corroborated
Other Word Forms
-
corroborationnoun
-
corroborativeadjective
-
corroborativelyadverb
-
corroboratornoun
-
corroboratorilyadverb
-
corroboratoryadjective
-
noncorroboratingadjective
-
noncorroborativeadjective
-
noncorroborativelyadverb
-
noncorroboratoryadjective
-
uncorroboratedadjective
-
uncorroborativeadjective
-
uncorroborativelyadverb
-
uncorroboratoryadjective
Etymology
Origin of corroborate
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin corrōborātus, past participle of corrōborāre “to strengthen,” equivalent to cor- “with, together” + rōbor(āre) “to make strong” (derivative of rōbor, rōbur “oak” hence, “strength”) + -ātus past participle suffix; see cor-, robust, -ate 1
Compare meaning
How does corroborate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
To corroborate is to back someone else’s story. If you swear to your teacher that you didn't throw the spitball, and your friends corroborate your story by promising that you were concentrating on math homework, she might actually believe you. For example, a witness in court corroborates the testimony of others, and further experimentation can corroborate a scientific theory. Near synonyms are substantiate and confirm. Corroborate, originally meaning "to support or strengthen," was borrowed from Latin corrōborāre, formed from the prefix cor- "completely" plus rōborāre "to strengthen" (from rōbur "strength").
Vocabulary lists containing corroborate
The Crucible
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 10, List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 SAT words Beginning with "C"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Breadth indicators corroborate “this extreme oversold condition, supporting a bullish medium-to-long-term outlook for both the sector and the broader market.”
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
No steps are taken to corroborate any allegations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026
While there are ways to further corroborate one’s identity, some experts warn the bureaucratic burden may turn people off registering altogether due to complications — preventing citizens from being able to cast a ballot.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026
With genetic data unable to distinguish between them, investigators relied on phone records, surveillance footage, wiretaps and efforts to corroborate their whereabouts and movements, according to Le Parisien.
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026
To separate the facts from the hearsay contained in the bureau’s case files, White settled upon a simple but elegant approach: he would methodically try to corroborate each suspect’s alibi.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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.
