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 regulatory certainty will catalyze stablecoin adoption across the fintech and traditional banking sectors, bolstering U.S. dollar dominance in global markets. —Alexander S. Blume, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

At the moment, the only certainty with the Yankees’ 2025 defensive alignment is that Aaron Judge will be in right field. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024

Another approach companies are following is working on contingency plans for when there’s more certainty on what new potential tariffs will go into effect, according to recent company earnings calls. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

What separates scientism from science is the dogmatic certainty that science can provide all encompassing answers to every question that matters on every aspect of life and that there is only one answer to all of these questions. —Arianna Huffington, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

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