1
a
: the cogency of evidence that compels acceptance by the mind of a truth or a fact
b
: the process or an instance of establishing the validity of a statement especially by derivation from other statements in accordance with principles of reasoning
2
obsolete
: experience
3
: something that induces certainty or establishes validity
4
archaic
: the quality or state of having been tested or tried
especially
: unyielding hardness
5
: evidence operating to determine the finding or judgment of a tribunal
6
a
plural proofs or proof
: a copy (as of typeset text) made for examination or correction
b
: a test impression of an engraving, etching, or lithograph
c
: a coin that is struck from a highly polished die on a polished planchet, is not intended for circulation, and sometimes differs in metallic content from coins of identical design struck for circulation
d
: a test photographic print made from a negative
7
: a test applied to articles or substances to determine whether they are of standard or satisfactory quality
8
a
: the minimum alcoholic strength of proof spirit
b
: strength with reference to the standard for proof spirit
specifically
: alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present
whiskey of 90 proof is 45 percent alcohol
1
: able to resist or repel
boots that were … proof against cold and wet—
Robertson Davies
—often used in combinationRobertson Davieswindproof
2
: used in proving or testing or as a standard of comparison
3
: of standard strength or quality or alcoholic content
proofed; proofing; proofs
1
a
: to make or take a proof or test of
b
2
: to give a resistant quality to
3
: to activate (yeast) by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk
proofer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of proof in a Sentence
Noun
The document was proof that her story was true.
He claims that he was home when the murder was committed, but he has no proof.
The proof shows that the theorem is true.
Verb
She proofed the story carefully.
Recent Examples on the WebMiles Parks, NPR, 12 Apr. 2024
The tunes function as intergenerational bridges: proof that age doesn’t grant you all the answers.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
This pair is backed by a whopping 25,000 five-star ratings — proof that’s hard to argue with.
—Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
Further proof Lawrence’s wardrobe is secretly UK-adjacent came via her headwear: a retro Shania Twain cap that showed the actor has been in a country music hole since Beyoncé unleashed Cowboy Carter into the ether.
—Alice Newbold, Glamour, 11 Apr. 2024
Here was the proof that held up as Dr. van Pelt took the stand against Holocaust denial.
—Leonardo Bevilacqua, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2024
No wonder the issue of proof is crucial in many accounts of gaslighting: the tights on the boat, the charts that show decades of hearing loss, the other women who were assaulted.
—Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The proof is in the numbers — this album has created a cultural movement and is uplifting Black creators to new levels of visibility.
—Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Apr. 2024
In Mexico, the standard of proof to claim Yaqui tribal heritage is being born in Río Yaqui, how much tribal ancestry.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024
Melba Newsome, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
Ladle the soup with onions into ovenproof and broiler-proof crocks, ramekins or bowls.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024
Because the cheese is melted under a broiler, using ovenproof and broiler-proof bowls is a must.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024
While some have speculated that its success might be a bubble, most Wall Street analysts say its financial statements have been proof that its product is viable.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024
But Republicans do risk making the Wisconsin 8th District yet another proof point in Trump’s takeover of the GOP, often at the expense of figures capable of expertise that sometimes does not meld with the MAGAverse.
—TIME, 13 Feb. 2024
Marton’s conjecture has links to proof systems, coding theory and cryptography, and occupies an exalted place in additive combinatorics.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023
There are two other expressions available, a barrel proof version of the bourbon (110 to 115 proof), and a rye whiskey made in the Kentucky style with just 56 percent rye in the mashbill.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2023
Built to be energy-efficient — it’s powered completely by trade winds and the Caribbean sun — the resort is also proof that sustainability and luxury don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
—Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023
Mansee Khurana, NPR, 3 Apr. 2024
My pastries had proofed for just over two hours, which, in hindsight was a bit too long for four of them and just right for the other half.
—Sarah Schutte, National Review, 11 Feb. 2024
For example, flood proofing a home can save a family's future, while flood proofing a neighborhood street system can save hundreds of homes.
—Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
When proofing bread try to place it away from windows or drafts and near somewhere warm (like the oven).
—Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023
Le Bistro Butter Bell Crock A bread proofing basket
A banneton does more than give a loaf of sourdough that signature boulangerie look.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 6 Dec. 2023
Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings:
6
This 30-minute cheeseburger soup is proof a kid-friendly, fun, and oh-so-easy dinner doesn't have to take all day.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2023
The most time is spent letting the dough proof a couple of times.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2023
The picture isn't proof the moon landing was faked.
—Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023
Noun
People he's interviewed about their experience in these places don't want to risk their status in the U.S. just to cast a single ballot — further proof, in his eyes, that this isn't an actual problem.
—Miles Parks, NPR, 12 Apr. 2024
The tunes function as intergenerational bridges: proof that age doesn’t grant you all the answers.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
This pair is backed by a whopping 25,000 five-star ratings — proof that’s hard to argue with.
—Melissa Epifano, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
Further proof Lawrence’s wardrobe is secretly UK-adjacent came via her headwear: a retro Shania Twain cap that showed the actor has been in a country music hole since Beyoncé unleashed Cowboy Carter into the ether.
—Alice Newbold, Glamour, 11 Apr. 2024
Here was the proof that held up as Dr. van Pelt took the stand against Holocaust denial.
—Leonardo Bevilacqua, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2024
No wonder the issue of proof is crucial in many accounts of gaslighting: the tights on the boat, the charts that show decades of hearing loss, the other women who were assaulted.
—Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The proof is in the numbers — this album has created a cultural movement and is uplifting Black creators to new levels of visibility.
—Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Apr. 2024
In Mexico, the standard of proof to claim Yaqui tribal heritage is being born in Río Yaqui, how much tribal ancestry.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Another argued that there is no proof fluoride is safe or effective.
—Melba Newsome, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
Ladle the soup with onions into ovenproof and broiler-proof crocks, ramekins or bowls.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024
Because the cheese is melted under a broiler, using ovenproof and broiler-proof bowls is a must.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 8 Mar. 2024
While some have speculated that its success might be a bubble, most Wall Street analysts say its financial statements have been proof that its product is viable.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024
But Republicans do risk making the Wisconsin 8th District yet another proof point in Trump’s takeover of the GOP, often at the expense of figures capable of expertise that sometimes does not meld with the MAGAverse.
—TIME, 13 Feb. 2024
Marton’s conjecture has links to proof systems, coding theory and cryptography, and occupies an exalted place in additive combinatorics.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2023
There are two other expressions available, a barrel proof version of the bourbon (110 to 115 proof), and a rye whiskey made in the Kentucky style with just 56 percent rye in the mashbill.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2023
Built to be energy-efficient — it’s powered completely by trade winds and the Caribbean sun — the resort is also proof that sustainability and luxury don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
—Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023
Verb
Feng says this is a testament to how Taiwan has earthquake proofed itself in the last two decades.
—Mansee Khurana, NPR, 3 Apr. 2024
My pastries had proofed for just over two hours, which, in hindsight was a bit too long for four of them and just right for the other half.
—Sarah Schutte, National Review, 11 Feb. 2024
For example, flood proofing a home can save a family's future, while flood proofing a neighborhood street system can save hundreds of homes.
—Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
When proofing bread try to place it away from windows or drafts and near somewhere warm (like the oven).
—Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023
Le Bistro Butter Bell Crock A bread proofing basket
A banneton does more than give a loaf of sourdough that signature boulangerie look.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 6 Dec. 2023
Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 30 mins Servings:
6
This 30-minute cheeseburger soup is proof a kid-friendly, fun, and oh-so-easy dinner doesn't have to take all day.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2023
The most time is spent letting the dough proof a couple of times.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2023
The picture isn't proof the moon landing was faked.
—Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 7 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to proof
Dictionary Entries Near proof
Cite this Entry
“Proof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proof. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proof
1 of 3 noun1
a
: evidence of truth or correctness
gave proof of her statement
b
: an act or process of showing or finding out that something is true especially by reasoning or by experiment
a proof that the theorem is true
put a theory to the proof
2
a
: a copy (as of something set in type) taken for study and correction
b
: a test print made from a photographic negative
proof
2 of 3 adjective
: designed or made to prevent or keep out something that could be harmful
this lock is proof against tampering
—often used in compoundswaterproof
proof
3 of 3 verb
: to activate (yeast) by mixing with water
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