certain
Usage
What are other ways to say certain?
Certain, one of a handful of adjectives indicating full belief and trust that something is true, suggests that there are definite reasons that have freed one from doubt. Confident emphasizes the strength of the belief or the certainty of expectation felt. Positive implies emphatic certainty, which may even become overconfidence or dogmatism. Sure, the simplest and most general term, expresses mere absence of doubt.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the enormous variety of languages spoken around the world, certain grammatical patterns keep showing up.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
The paper’s union—which at that point had been without a contract since 2017—published multiple eyewitness accounts and said he threatened to fire certain staffers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
On Monday, a federal judge in California took a step that would allow a class-action lawsuit against the administration’s handling of certain asylum claims.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026
The agency’s 2023 decision to ban certain peptides was supported by numerous documented safety concerns, they said.
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026
“You were so certain this would be a success?”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
