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.
Stripping out certain one-time items, the company reported adjusted earnings of $2.01 a share.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
The pattern day-trading rule was meant not only to protect retail investors from overtrading, but also to protect brokerages, which had to meet certain cash balance and margin requirements.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
Another highlight arrives on June 17, when the Moon passes directly in front of Venus for observers in certain locations.
From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026
Being a foodie has also become defined by leveraging a certain amount of cultural or social cache.
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026
The Gestapo was certain to hear about it, perhaps already had: their eyes and ears were everywhere.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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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