surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇r-lē 

ˈshər-

especially Southern ˈshȯr-

1

: in a sure manner:

a

archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely

b(1)

: with assurance : confidently

answered quickly and surely

(2)

: without doubt : certainly

They will surely be heard from in the future.

—R. J. Lifton

2

: indeed, really

—often used as an intensive

you surely don't believe that

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Sure and surely are both used as simple intensives. Sure is informal and typically used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with.

She sure knew how to make me laugh.

That sure was fun.

Surely can occur in formal contexts and is used whether or not agreement is expected.

Surely you jest.

It is often applied when someone is making an effort to persuade.

a book surely worth anyone's time

Synonyms of surely

• certainly
• definitely
• sure
• clearly
• probably

Examples of surely in a Sentence

She answered quickly and surely.

He will surely be missed.

This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.

Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.

Recent Examples on the Web

Photograph courtesy Netflix At the very top level of the pop-music empyrean, where the K-pop group BTS surely resides, an album release is never just an album release. —Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

And while the details of any loan agreement with the two-time Oscar winner (or indeed Armani) is not yet known, the silk column gown surely constitutes something borrowed. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Lewandowski and Džeko will captain their countries in playoff finals on Tuesday aiming to reach a World Cup that shapes as a last one — surely? —ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026

Eggplant will surely play a starring role on the restaurant’s opening menu alongside pop-up favorites like cassoulet croquettes, quail pithivier, and choucroute garnie. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing surely

• slowly but surely

Rhymes for surely

• demurely
• maturely
• obscurely
• securely
• insecurely
• prematurely
• purely

Kids Definition

surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

a

: with confidence

answered quickly and surely

b

: without doubt : certainly

they will surely be heard from again

2

: beyond question : truly

I surely am tired this afternoon