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

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 certitude Historians will debate why Xi so mishandled the U.S.-Chinese relationship, likely finding some combination of ideology, certitude of a declining United States, and domestic exigencies that had nothing to do with foreign policy. Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 Nov. 2018 The Yankees’ twenty-seven World Series titles long ago made the team barons of baseball certitude. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 But Prince’s law school certitude would soon be challenged by another, even uglier, twist involving the Daily Stormer. Steven Johnson, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2018 In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. Longreads, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for certitude 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • This regulatory certainty will catalyze stablecoin adoption across the fintech and traditional banking sectors, bolstering U.S. dollar dominance in global markets.
    Alexander S. Blume, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • At the moment, the only certainty with the Yankees’ 2025 defensive alignment is that Aaron Judge will be in right field.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Patients are also more likely to choose a hospital with safety assurances.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • And for some who are eager to conceive, the anecdotal assurance may be enough.
    Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Makeup, initially applied judiciously, becomes a heavily layered shellac, an attempt to gain confidence through cosmetics.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
  • This year, the Duchess seems to have approached dressing for all of the various facets of her life with fresh confidence.
    Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The conviction was reinstated in 2016 but then vacated by the Connecticut Supreme Court in 2018.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 27 Dec. 2024
  • This was an egregious set of facts that resulted in a conviction along with a 10–15-year prison sentence.
    Jason Volack, ABC News, 26 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near certitude

Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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