Verify vs. Confirm – Difference Explained (With Examples)

The words “verify” and “confirm” are widely used, but the difference between the two can be confusing for both readers and writers. Reading this article should make understanding the difference easier. This simple guide will clearly explain the subtle difference between the words “verify” and “confirm”.

What Is The Difference Between “Verify” and “Confirm”?

Despite the two words appearing similar at first, there are subtle differences in meaning between the words “verify” and “confirm”. The word “confirm” implies that the correct known answer already exists, whilst the word “verify” implies that further exploration is needed before the answer can be proven as correct.

Both words refer to the action of trying to establish the truth or the correct answer. But “confirm” has more authority as a word. When using confirm, the sentence implies that the truth or answer is known, whilst “verify” still suggests a level of doubt.

What Does “Verify” Mean?

According to Cambridge Dictionary the word “verify” means to prove that something exists or is true, or to make certain that something is correct.

To help you understand the meaning of the word “verify” and how to use this word, take time to note the following examples of sentences that include the word “verify”:

• After Sarah fell down the stairs, Paul needed to verify that she was okay.
• It is a quick and simple procedure to verify the test results.
• I can verify that the antiques found in the house are authentic.

What Does “Confirm” Mean?

According to Cambridge Dictionary the word “confirm” means to prove that a belief that was previously not completely certain is true.

To help you understand the meaning of the word “confirm” and how to use this word, take time to note the following examples of sentences that include the word “confirm”:

• She texted him to confirm that she wanted to end their relationship.
• He did not confirm or deny the recent rumors.
• Initial reports stated the three people had died in the car crash, but the reporter needed to confirm this.

Can “Verify” And “Confirm” Be Used Interchangeably?

Often people use the words “verify” and “confirm” casually in sentences because the meaning of the words is similar. Others think the words mean the same thing, but that “confirm” perhaps sounds more official than “verify”.

The words “verify” and “confirm” should not be used interchangeably. Whilst the words are similar, they are used in different ways.

As this article has explained, the word “verify” means to prove that something is true or correct. Therefore, to verify something means to provide substantial evidence that something is true or correct.

The word “confirm” means to prove that a belief that was not previously certain is true or correct. Therefore, to confirm something is to fully establish that something is true or correct. When something is confirmed, it is already believed to be true.

Check vs. Validate vs. Clarify – Do They Mean The Same As “Verify” Or “Confirm”?

Whilst the words “check”, “validate” and “clarify” are similar in meaning to “verify” and “confirm”, there are small but important differences in meaning to consider before using these words in a sentence.

Check

In the context of this discussion, according to Cambridge Dictionary the word “check” means to find out about something,

Examples of sentences using the word “check” include:

• I need to check to see if Kate is ready for school.
• Check the shopping list, please. I can’t remember the items I wrote down.
• Remember to check your bank balance today.

Validate

In the context of this topic, according to Cambridge Dictionary the word “validate” means to prove that something is correct.

Examples of sentences using the word “validate” include:

• She needed to validate the figures in the graph.
• Tom felt he didn’t need to validate his test results, because he was sure they would be the same as his friend’s results.
• The bank could not validate the cheque.

Clarify

Relating to this subject of discussion, according to Cambridge Dictionary the word “clarify” means to make something easier to understand by giving more details or a more simple explanation.

Examples of sentences using the word “clarify” include:

• Could you clarify the answer to the question, please?
• He needed to clarify the situation after the big argument.
• Allow me to clarify what I mean.

Does “Confirm” and “Conform” Mean The Same?

Whilst the words “confirm” and “conform” might sound and look similar in structure, they are completely different in meaning.

This article has already explained that the word “confirm” means to prove that a belief that was previously not completely certain is true.

According to Cambridge Dictionary the word “conform” means to behave according to the usual standards of behavior that are expected by a group or society, or to operate according to a rule.

To help you understand the meaning of the word “conform” and realize the stark difference in meaning between the words “confirm” and “conform”, here are two examples of sentences using the word “conform”:

• At school, the pupils were required to conform and wear the uniform.
• The staff contract requires that workers conform to the specified code of conduct in the workplace.

“Verify” and “Confirm” – Synonyms

A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same as another word.

There is a range of synonyms for the words “verify” and “confirm”. Some synonyms for “verify” and “confirm” are the same, because the meaning of the two words are so close in similarity.

Synonyms For “Verify”

Words that could be used as an alternative to the word “verify” include:

• Authenticate
• Certify
• Check
• Corroborate
• Demonstrate
• Double-check
• Establish
• Find out
• Justify
• Prove
• Substantiate

Synonyms For “Confirm”

Words that could be used as an alternative to the word “confirm” include:

• Affirm
• Approve
• Back
• Certify
• Corroborate
• Endorse
• Establish
• Explain
• Sign
• Substantiate
• Support
• Uphold
• Verify

Final Thoughts

Whilst “verify” and “confirm” are similar in meaning, they should not be used interchangeably because the words are used in different ways. “Verify” means to provide evidence to prove that something is true or correct, whilst “confirm” means to fully establish that something is true or correct. There are many other words similar to “verify” and “confirm”, such as “clarify”, “validate” and “check”, but they also subtly differ in meaning.