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
But it’s gotten to the point where playing certain college sports can be as lucrative – if not more so – than being a professional athlete.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
“It’s like with a divorce: When certain words are used, you can’t walk them back.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
Not true — the Pew Research Center found 32 countries that have standards just like ours, while at least 50 others allow people born within their borders to become citizens if they meet certain criteria.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
“I’m certain they do. Nearly everything has a soul.”
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
