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.
Ibuprofen may also provide benefits in certain areas, although the effects appeared less consistent.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
Nuvalent has developed drugs that target lung cancers with certain genetic mutations, known as ALK and ROS1.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
People looking to place certain bets on prediction market operator Kalshi will soon have to reveal where they work in an attempt to stop insider trading, the firm has said.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
He explains in the book that “. . . I could often advocate on behalf of arrangements or songs or decision making within songs based on the colors and shapes a certain passage evoked.”
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026
Alone and lonely in life, Clare knew for certain: He would so be in death.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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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