1
as in one
known but not named a certain person told me that today is your birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in reliable
not likely to fail chicken soup is grandma's certain cure for pretty much whatever ails you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective certain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certain are cocksure, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for certain?

In some situations, the words cocksure and certain are roughly equivalent. However, cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

When is it sensible to use positive instead of certain?

While the synonyms positive and certain are close in meaning, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When could sure be used to replace certain?

The words sure and certain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of certain Dogs are also particularly sensitive to physical touch in certain areas of the body, such as the head, shoulders, and neck, which can become aversive if handled improperly or unexpectedly by veterinary staff. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 For Pace, the moment was all-but-certain. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 People with asthma, diabetes or certain heart conditions should consult their doctor before trying this medication, as different types of beta blockers may be better suited for certain individuals. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025 What’s certain is that his bootleg hustle ended with prison time. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certain
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • The director is also sure to face questions about the scores of firings that have rocked the bureau, the FBI’s role in reviewing the Epstein files and a number of other moves that Democrats argue have politicized the FBI.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Meltzer is not quite sure how to handle this phase of Birkin’s life.
    Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Any liquid water on TRAPPIST-1 e would be accompanied by a greenhouse effect, which would involve various gases, especially carbon dioxide, keeping the atmosphere stable and the planet warm.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Your core muscles, back muscles, and balance may improve as your body works to remain stable against the extra weight.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Is Executive Order 14224 even necessary?
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And especially with the other unknowns in the starting rotation, a reliable King changes the dynamic of how the Padres can navigate a postseason series.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Backed by Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is poised to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR for reliable, sustainable energy in AI and clean industries.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the San Francisco 49ers started off their 2025 NFL schedule with a 17-13 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, there are definite reasons for their fans to be concerned.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That’s been valuable, but even then, there’s no definite timeline for how long this lasts.
    Melissa Showers, Flow Space, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Republican strategist Michael Biundo was among many to observe how confident Kirk was from the jump, how undaunted by being new to the scene and often the youngest person in the mix.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It was created with the intention of promoting AI fluency and a future-ready, AI-confident workforce.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the final details were still being negotiated, the embassy said the partnership will focus on key technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, and quantum computing.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Season 4 lands on October 30th and will be followed by a fifth and final season.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certain. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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