1
as in one
known but not named a certain person told me that today is your birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in reliable
not likely to fail chicken soup is grandma's certain cure for pretty much whatever ails you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective certain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certain are cocksure, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for certain?

In some situations, the words cocksure and certain are roughly equivalent. However, cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

When is it sensible to use positive instead of certain?

While the synonyms positive and certain are close in meaning, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When could sure be used to replace certain?

The words sure and certain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of certain Christian Watson is almost certain to miss the first seven or eight games after tearing his ACL. Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 As a woman, as a woman of color, and as a woman of a certain age, this is a testament to our ability. Erin Clack, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 As a quick refresher, the season ended with Joel saving Ellie from certain death at the hands of the Fireflies, a resistance movement hoping to turn Ellie's immunity into a vaccine. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025 What is certain, however, is the effect executions have on the inmate’s family. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certain
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • While the tariffs seem sure to depress the economy indefinitely, economic activity could see a soft patch rather than a significant contraction aided by quick Federal Reserve rate cuts.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • There is a fear that this settlement will ultimately lead to a dramatic reduction in spots available, although no one knows for sure.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Each seat comes with power sockets and USB charging ports, and while the airline doesn’t offer traditional in-flight entertainment screens, a pop-up arm provides a stable perch for a tablet (more on that below).
    Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In this challenging scenario, investors looking for stable income can add some dividend stocks trading at attractive levels to their portfolios.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.
    Wendy Whitman Cobb, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • These companies feel like necessary building blocks of modern existence.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Furthering its commitment to sustainable infrastructure, the company announced plans to expand its ultra-fast charging network internationally to help address the increasing demand for fast and reliable EV charging solutions.
    Lyubov Artemenko, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Record sales have become a less reliable source of income for artists.
    Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While some bags can go in the washer, the dryer is a definite no-go for bags unless they're made of 100% cotton.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2025
  • But there are definite positives for Tsunoda to take before going to Bahrain next week.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Good teams feel confident regardless of the day’s starting pitcher.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Jean looked confident and composed in dispatching the much more experienced Berkhamov.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These concerns appeared to strike a chord—at least in part—with U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken, who brought up the issue several times during this week’s fairness hearing over whether to grant the settlement’s final approval.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The squad soon discovers the job is a suicide mission and must choose between redemption or the final termination of their close brotherhood.
    Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certain. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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