Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certitude differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and conviction are common synonyms of certitude. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When would conviction be a good substitute for certitude?

The words conviction and certitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

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 certitude And in thinking about it, it should be said with certitude that those who feel fortunate enough to own bitcoin (and surely many feel this way) don’t really own money or a coin. John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024 The point of the game is to take satisfaction in killing with moral certitude. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 To me, Cardinal Lawrence gives a beautiful speech at the beginning of the film, talking about the evil of certitude and the moral preciousness of doubt. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • Clarifications of merger policy that increase business regulatory certainty and incentivize dynamically efficient M&A transactions could bolster U.S. competitiveness in international markets, benefiting both American producers and consumers.
    Alden Abbott, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • But Beijing is also keenly aware that the current tariffs are hitting at a time when China’s economy has already been struggling with domestic challenges – and there’s no certainty those duties couldn’t rise again under Trump’s capricious trade policy.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • That level of assurance does not appear to be materializing at this time.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • And there is no assurance, as recent examples indicate, that DJS will even learn that a youthful offender wearing an ankle monitor is AWOL.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Every decision from what’s in scope to what can be eliminated should support the core objective: enabling employee compliance teams to act with minimum friction and maximum confidence, even with the constant uncertainty of regulatory change.
    Kelvin Dickenson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And all this comes amid mounting pressure on the chancellor to shore up confidence in her strategy, after a series of U-turns on cuts to welfare and winter fuel payments.
    Ritika Gupta, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The man from Mexico had prior convictions for car theft and drug possession.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Criminal justice and voting rights advocates in Massachusetts are trying to potentially put a question on the 2028 ballot that would allow those serving prison time on felony convictions to vote in state elections while behind bars, according to State House News.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!