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.
Scientists believe the two sightings were of different coyotes, though they aren’t certain.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026
The American people expect a certain amount of corruption in government because government is composed of people, and men aren’t angels.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
However, the source said, "at a certain point other individuals became involved, seemingly after most of the groundwork had already been laid and subsequently began taking credit for the progress that had been made."
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026
But with seven-figure price tags for homes in certain areas in his market, he added: “That’s still not really enough.”
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026
In recent times, scientists have learned that the two hemispheres specialize in certain skills.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
Vocabulary lists containing certain
The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"
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A Sure Thing: Synonyms for "Definite"
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