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 software problem raised concerns among some aviation industry officials over whether it could pose a safety issue when 737 MAX jets are landing under certain circumstances, The Wall Street Journal reported.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
The independent commission which studied the case found City "utilised devices" to "disguise the true extent of certain club liabilities".
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
Yet the steady post-Oscar blowback and general friction surrounding Fennell made me certain I’d overrated it.
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
An employer match might also be yours, depending on whether the company has a vesting schedule — a certain amount of time you need to work there in order for the funds to be yours.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
All the pictures of her in his bedroom are at a certain angle where he can’t really get a look without having to reposition them.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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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