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.
They are certain that joining this 20% is largely based on your looks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
On Monday, a federal judge in California took a step that would allow a class-action lawsuit against the administration’s handling of certain asylum claims.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026
But it’s gotten to the point where playing certain college sports can be as lucrative – if not more so – than being a professional athlete.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
"I am certain that he's waiting for me in heaven."
From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026
But as a rule, Clare never sent a wandering spirit to this particular realm unless he was absolutely, positively, most certainly certain.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
