Definitions

surely

[shoor-lee, shur-] / ˈʃʊər li, ˈʃɜr- /

ADVERB

without doubt

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absolutely assuredly certainly clearly definitely evidently indeed inevitably inexorably plainly undoubtedly unquestionably

WEAK

admittedly beyond doubt beyond shadow of doubt come what may conclusively decidedly distinctly doubtlessly explicitly fixedly for certain indubitably infallibly irrefutably manifestly nothing else but positively rain or shine to be sure unequivocally unerringly unfailingly unmistakably unshakably with certainty without fail

Antonyms

STRONGEST

doubtfully dubiously indefinite indefinitely questionably vaguely

WEAK

uncertain

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.

Surely, the inventors of the game had won 10-0—not lost to a bunch of relative amateurs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Surely this is as good as it gets, they must have figured.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Surely he’ll explain in his next Netflix special.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

"But it's fabulous that he's put it on the map, isn't it? Surely a statue beckons."

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Surely some of the people from Jefferson’s Monticello knew of the British promise.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis