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.
"The only way to do it is to know which one it is, or be sort of certain that you've got a particular species," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
Maine allows certain estates to be settled using a small-estate affidavit rather than the full probate process.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 27, 2026
The first shortages prompted a rush on certain products as residents sought to stock up before winter, he said, but he is remaining calm.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
Many cancers are driven by changes in certain genes that normally help control how cells grow, divide, repair damage, or die.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026
Gertie is now certain that she has leprosy, and there is no medicine to ease her symptoms.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Vocabulary lists containing certain
The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"
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List 1
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A Sure Thing: Synonyms for "Definite"
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