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

This settlement is a fair outcome, given the evidence put forth by SCE and [the CPUC Public Advocates Office], and recovery will provide long-term financial certainty so SCE can continue to safely and affordably deliver clean, reliable electricity to our customers. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Williams said Bloomberg Philanthropies wanted to offer certainty to U.N. Climate Change that their budget would be met. —Thalia Beaty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025

As for tax policy, Ross said the only certainty at this point was that Republicans would ensure the tax cuts signed into law in 2017 would not expire later this year. —Brett Samuels, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2025

Rather than simply focusing on helping companies move their files to the cloud, it's become a data governance solution targeting businesses that require certainty regarding how their data is handled (in the engineering, finance, government, and healthcare sectors, for example). —Daniel Brame, PCMAG, 27 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