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.
Why do certain art forms enter the archive, while others disappear with the people who sustained them?
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
But the AI boom has made their old advice of picking a safe major and pursuing a stable career feel a lot less certain.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
“The Postal Service has said that they may not be counted in certain areas.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
But the pair of young couples are treating this practical business transaction between customer and caterer as their double date, lingering too long and asking for more wine, joking that they’re not quite certain yet.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
I wasn’t certain if there would be a place for me to change clothes at Formann’s, so I thought it would be safest to arrive already wearing the outfit.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
