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.
Tuesday night in Madison Square Garden, that run of misfortune seemed certain to continue.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
That would weigh on growth and "could also potentially weaken certain financial institutions", Boucher said.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
She said certain groups, including refugees, older adults and those with disabilities, would be left especially vulnerable.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
She would be the person opting out of demands to dress, look and behave a certain way to appease the opposite sex.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
The one thing it tells me for certain is that she’s hiding in the Maldives, so I start there.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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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