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.
New research from the University of Adelaide, however, suggests that even the island's largest and deepest lakes may be vulnerable to disappearing under certain climate conditions.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
Now it seems all but certain that Fernandez will leave the club this summer, which is fast turning into the most dramatic of his career.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
“We can do certain things in the air in L.A., on tour, with swinging and pyrotechnics, and there’s certain elements we can’t do in London because it moves from the stage,” he continued.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
Washington announced a fresh 25-percent duty on certain Brazilian goods last week, and on Monday unveiled a 50-percent levy on many Canadian products to take effect in 30 days.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
“Well …” The witch paused, and I waited, certain she was about to tell me some great mystery, a secret that would make everything clear.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
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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