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.
Pike - who also asked the audience not to film her speech - addressed a certain broad section of the stalls which had distracted her during a crucial scene.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
Those stocks took a battering at the start of this year due to worries that artificial intelligence will replace certain software functions.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
Los Angeles residents will vote for mayor in a race that is far from certain.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
SpaceX plans to reserve 5% of its outstanding common stock for certain employees and others selected by its executive officers, the company said on Monday.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026
“Bad move on my part. By contract, Richard has final say on all on-camera promotions. I’m pretty certain I’ll be looking for another job as soon as Emily blows herself out.”
From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith
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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