-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
certainly
adverb
cer·tain·ly
ˈsər-tᵊn-lē
Synonyms
Examples of certainly in a Sentence
It will certainly rain tomorrow.
This year's festival was certainly much better than last year's.
I'm certainly going to try.
The new version is most certainly easier to use.
The snake that bit her was almost certainly poisonous.
Recent Examples on the Web
The infusion of the Sinhala element along with Buddhism could certainly be things of a later period.
—Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 17 Jan. 2025
The conversation will certainly want to consider the perspectives of its shareholders as well as its workforce.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
As artists go, this giant Kansas City Chiefs fan’s name might not be broadly known, but his giant, red, white and gold works — seen around the city by tens of thousands of people daily— certainly are.
—Eric Adler and, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
The value of the new pact is almost certainly more than $500 million.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for certainly
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.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of certainly was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing certainly
Dictionary Entries Near certainly
Cite this Entry
“Certainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certainly. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
certainly
adverb
cer·tain·ly
ˈsərt-ᵊn-lē
1
: in a manner that is certain : for certain
the only event of which anything is certainly known
2
: without doubt : surely
certainly you can do it
More from Merriam-Webster on certainly
Nglish: Translation of certainly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of certainly for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share