1. to provide evidence or proof to support or verify a claim, statement, or theory

Examples

• The witness was able to substantiate her testimony with photographs.
• Scientists need data to substantiate their hypotheses.
• He could not substantiate his claims about the company’s profits.
• The audit will substantiate whether the financial records are accurate.
• New evidence has substantiated the detective’s theory about the crime.
• The research substantiates the link between exercise and mental health.
• Without documentation, it’s difficult to substantiate your expenses.