Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certitude differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and conviction are common synonyms of certitude. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When would conviction be a good substitute for certitude?

The words conviction and certitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

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 certitude And in thinking about it, it should be said with certitude that those who feel fortunate enough to own bitcoin (and surely many feel this way) don’t really own money or a coin. John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 Targets include Hollywood, academia and ideological certitude. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024 The point of the game is to take satisfaction in killing with moral certitude. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 To me, Cardinal Lawrence gives a beautiful speech at the beginning of the film, talking about the evil of certitude and the moral preciousness of doubt. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for certitude 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • In an interview with ABC4 in 2020, Martin discussed raising Patrick and her certainty that he was destined for success.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Still others shout their certainty that God is only close to certain political parties, countries, religions, or genders.
    Lynne Silva-Breen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The assurance from Bondi that President Trump would not enforce the law was enough for Apple and Google to bring the app back.
    Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025
  • An article that year published by the Heritage Foundation — the group whose Project 2025 now appears, despite some Trump assurances to the contrary, to be driving much of his second administration’s rollout — laid out the case against the CFPB’s very existence.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • With that confidence, Ortega (35-3) is creating a masterpiece this season.
    Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • That confidence crystallized throughout the film’s regional festival run in 2023, when Cheslik and his co-writer/leading man Ryland Brickson Cole Tews began bringing props to screenings.
    Cory Stillman, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine’s agony, with its echoes of Hitlerian aggression, calls into question the deepest convictions of those of us who are convinced there must be a more robust way to constrain, or at least disincentivize, the Putins of this world.
    Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Demetrius Frazier, 52, was pronounced dead at 6:36 p.m. CST at a south Alabama prison for his murder conviction in the 1991 rape and killing of 41-year-old Pauline Brown.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near certitude

Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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