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

However, one certainty is that the proposal will negatively impact all levels of education – from early childhood to graduate and post-doctoral education and training. —Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Invisible network Related Articles Business group hopes President Trump provides tariffs, tax certainty Elon Musk is one of the few winners from Trump auto tariffs Car prices will surge by thousands of dollars because of Trump’s tariffs. —Bruce Yandle, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025

Bottom line for defence Emberson’s cap hit (under $1 million) is well shy of Broberg’s, and Bowman’s claim about roster shakeup certainty on matching has some merit in this part of the transaction. —Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

What Congress and the courts could do There are a few ways to increase the certainty around the future of national monuments. —Erika Allen Wolters, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 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

Rhymes for certainty

• uncertainty

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