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Fact-check

v. thoughtful, capable professional

What it means

To test a claim against dependable evidence before accepting or publishing it.

Reach for it when describing an explicit verification step for statements, quotations, or public claims

The producer will fact-check every date in the documentary script.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
professional
formal

  • everyday

    verify

    Fits when evidence must establish that a specific claim is accurate

    Careful Identity and completion can also be verified, so the verb alone does not promise a reporting check.

  • professional

    audit

    Fits when a systematic review of records or controls is required

    Careful Audit implies broader procedural scrutiny than checking one quotation.

  • professional

    authenticate

    Fits when the origin or genuineness of a document is in question

    Careful Authenticating a source does not prove that every statement inside it is true.

  • professional

    validate

    Fits when a result or method must be tested against stated criteria

    Careful Validation can confirm internal rules without establishing real-world truth.

  • formal

    corroborate

    Fits when independent evidence should support an existing account

    Careful Corroborate strengthens a claim but may not uncover every error in it.

  • formal

    substantiate

    Fits when a claim needs enough evidence to be responsibly maintained

    Careful Substantiate focuses on support, while fact-checking also tests contrary evidence.

Opposites 4

  • fabricate
  • misreport
  • assume
  • repeat uncritically

Common phrases 4

  • fact-check a claim

    Editors fact-check a claim before adding it to the headline.

  • fact-check the article

    Two researchers fact-check the article before publication.

  • independently fact-check

    The review board will independently fact-check the disputed figures.

  • fact-check thoroughly

    Please fact-check thoroughly before quoting the historical timeline.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated