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as in reliable
not likely to fail a sure cure for the winter blues—a week in the Bahamas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sure

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sure are certain, cocksure, and positive. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

When is certain a more appropriate choice than sure?

In some situations, the words certain and sure are roughly equivalent. However, 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 sure?

The words cocksure and sure can be used in similar contexts, but cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would positive be a reasonable alternative to sure?

The synonyms positive and sure are sometimes interchangeable, but positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

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 sure
Adjective
The poem was not by Marlowe, for sure. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 In a fairly brief novel, Huneven garnishes the story with surprises, detailing her characters with precision and a sure hand. The Know, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Adverb
This summer's Amazon Prime Day sure was something else. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025 Because, yeah, the body sure does. Denise Snodell, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
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
  • 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
  • Early in the novel, Harold points out that authors are constantly looking for ways to bury their true beliefs in their text, rather than state them outright.
    Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Like many Stephen King stories, the truest horrors are the ones that exist in reality.
    James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The findings were intriguing, but not conclusive.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Trans athletes and their advocates, meanwhile, say there is a lack of consistent, conclusive research to support this claim and argue trans people deserve the right to compete with their peers.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • While there is definitely debate on whether or not the graphic videos of Kirk’s death should be shown, those rejoicing in his death are receiving rapid retribution.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Mike's definitely got his own thing, his own voice and everything.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • According to color theory, certain shades work beautifully with burgundy.
    Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Only certain oil and gas facilities, including natural gas pipelines, will still be mandated to report emissions of gases like methane, but can delay reporting those emissions until the year 2034.
    Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Switch Scorekeeping With Repair, And Set Limits Mistakes are inevitable, but they can be followed by repair.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After Karen Read’s inevitable (second) acquittal, Alan Jackson wrote a scathing letter to Commissioner Cox basically telling him that Kelly Dever was all through as a cop.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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