certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something that is certain

2

: the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence

Synonyms

• assurance
• assuredness
• certitude
• cocksureness
• confidence
• conviction
• doubtlessness
• face
• positiveness
• satisfaction
• sureness
• surety

Choose the Right Synonym for certainty

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt.

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

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

, while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certainty in a Sentence

Scientists still do not know with any degree of certainty why the disease spread so quickly.

We cannot predict the outcome with absolute certainty.

There was no certainty that the package would arrive in time.

Her certainty about these complex moral issues is surprising.

Recent Examples on the Web

Turner is a better on-court fit around Tyrese Haliburton than Poeltl, and giving up picks for the extra bit of certainty is unlikely. —Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

But the Giants just tied for the NFL’s worst record at 3-14, are 9-25 overall in the last two seasons and have less certainty than ever at quarterback. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025

Their confidence in the national vote count declined from about 7 in 10 to about 6 in 10, although their certainty in the accuracy of state vote counts remained stable. —Linley Sanders and Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025

The science has been building for years, creating greater and greater certainty about more and more types of cancer. —Steve Inskeep, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English certeinte, borrowed from Anglo-French certeinté, from certein, certain certain entry 1 + -té -ty

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing certainty

• almost a certainty
• with certainty

Kids Definition

certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something certain

2

: the quality or state of being or feeling certain