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.
However, the findings also pointed to a potentially protective role for certain bacteria.
From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026
The overall revenue growth for the sector will help profit margins rise—especially as healthcare companies use AI, helping them slim down certain expenses.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
In addition, gifts made to qualified charitable organizations are also exempt from gift tax, as long as certain rules have been followed.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026
Stripping out certain one-time items, HPE logged adjusted earnings of 79 cents a share, well ahead of analyst estimates of 58 cents a share, according to FactSet.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
The Confederacy would not surrender even in the face of an almost certain Union victory.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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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