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.
The academic said a licensing regime – similar to the sale of alcohol - could result in positive health benefits, including being able to cap the number of outlets in a certain area.
From BBC • May 4, 2026
Only certain strains of hantaviruses found exclusively in rodents -- rats, mice, and voles -- are transmitted to humans.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Beretta will generally vote in line with the board’s recommendations on most matters, Ruger added, subject to limited exceptions tied to certain proxy advisory firm recommendations or extraordinary transactions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
Earnings above a certain level aren’t taxed for Social Security — in 2026, that amount is $184,500 — so raising that cap would bring in more revenue from workers with higher incomes.
From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026
Like everybody can agree that certain things mean a person has succeeded.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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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