Corroborate

Definition

To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding, making it more certain or convincing; to provide additional evidence in support of.

Beyond the definition

Corroborate is the word of verification. The second source, the witness, the data point that lines up. It's the relief of having your account backed up, or the authority of the fact that isn't standing alone. In law, in science, in argument — corroboration is what lifts claim into credibility.

Origin & history

From Latin corroborare ('to strengthen'), from cor- ('completely') + roborare ('to strengthen'), from robur ('oak, strength'). To strengthen completely — like oak.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

The security footage corroborated the witness's account of the evening.

A second study was needed to corroborate the initial findings before publication.

How to use it

This entry uses a verb. Follow the examples for tense and any objects or prepositions it needs.

Choose “Corroborate” when the meaning fits your context: To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding, making it more certain or convincing; to provide additional evidence in support of.

Synonyms

confirm, verify, substantiate, validate, support

Antonyms

contradict, refute, undermine, disprove

Related words

• substantiate
• verify
• confirm
• validate

Corroborate vs confirm

Confirm means to establish that something is true — often through a single authoritative check. Corroborate means to support a claim with additional independent evidence: the corroborating witness, the corroborating data point. Confirmation can come from the same source that made the original claim; corroboration must come from somewhere else. In law and science, corroboration is stronger and more demanding than confirmation. Confirm is adequate; corroborate is decisive.

Word in the Wild

See how this word appears in life, language and stories.

Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.

Fictional scene

Supporting work with shared evidence

Three adults consult a single geometric diagram while building a bridge model, using the plan to verify their individual contributions.

The diagram serves as a source of confirmation, corroborating the team's work as they piece the structure together. It provides evidence that supports their shared effort, making the resulting build more certain and convincing through collective agreement.

Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration

Questions about this word

What does "Corroborate" mean?

Corroborate is verb meaning: To confirm or strengthen with evidence.. To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding, making it more certain or convincing; to provide additional evidence in support of.

Where does the word "Corroborate" come from?

From Latin corroborare ('to strengthen'), from cor- ('completely') + roborare ('to strengthen'), from robur ('oak, strength'). To strengthen completely — like oak.