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 role of nutrition is particularly intriguing, as certain dietary supplements may help support cellular health later in life.
From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026
And intensifying competition means we will increasingly be in “an investing landscape where certain segments of the economy and markets are starved for capital, while others are flush with attractive financing options.”
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
UK citizens with certain criminal convictions or immigration issues are usually not eligible.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
It seems likely, if not certain, that the whole cooties thing would have been DOA in high school.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 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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