CERTAINTY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'certainty' differ from other similar words?

The words certitude and conviction are common synonyms of certainty . While all three words 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

Q: When might 'certitude' be a better fit than 'certainty'?

The synonyms certitude and certainty are sometimes interchangeable, but certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof. // believes with certitude in an afterlife

Q: When is 'conviction' a more appropriate choice than 'certainty'?

In some situations, the words conviction and certainty are roughly equivalent. However, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual. // holds firm convictions on every issue

certainty

noun

ˈsər-tᵊn-tē

Definition of certainty next

as in assurance

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt I have full certainty that I'll pass the test

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in likelihood

the quality or state of being impossible to avoid or evade the proverbial certainty of death and taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certainty differ from other similar words?

The words certitude and conviction are common synonyms of certainty. While all three words 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

When might certitude be a better fit than certainty?

The synonyms certitude and certainty are sometimes interchangeable, but certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

When is conviction a more appropriate choice than certainty?

In some situations, the words conviction and certainty are roughly equivalent. However, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples 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 certainty Senate Republicans, who will be operating with a comfortable 53-seat majority next year, want to extend the expiring Trump tax cuts for at least another 10 years, which would give individuals, families and many businesses more certainty about the future. —

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024 There is a certainty to her sentences that sets her alongside past masters (your William Trevors, your Anton Chekhovs) and a singular beauty to her observations. —

Tomi Obaro, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 This seems like a near certainty to me now, having looked at competing proposals for next steps, the first in yesterday’s letter from DA Bragg to Judge Juan Merchan and the second in a letter that the president-elect’s lawyers sent Judge Merchan today. —

Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 20 Nov. 2024 However, Trump’s trademark unpredictability is the one trait that kept many Chinese officials awake at night and still haunts them, especially in a place where certainty in government and policy is almost a given under one-party rule. —

Cnn Staff, CNN, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for certainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainty

Noun

Joe Custer, a key individual in the case, has submitted an affidavit detailing these assurances, admitting that Haas doesn't currently have the resources to charter their own Cup Series teams, and could therefore give there's to 23XI and FRM.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The rhythm and soundscape of Arctic life For centuries, the Inuit have relied on an assurance of ice to support their hunting lifestyles.

Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024