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Definitions

surely

[shoor-lee, shur-] / ˈʃʊər li, ˈʃɜr- /
ADVERB
without doubt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolutely assuredly certainly clearly definitely evidently indeed inevitably inexorably plainly undoubtedly unquestionably
WEAK
admittedly beyond doubt beyond shadow of doubt come what may conclusively decidedly distinctly doubtlessly explicitly fixedly for certain indubitably infallibly irrefutably manifestly nothing else but positively rain or shine to be sure unequivocally unerringly unfailingly unmistakably unshakably with certainty without fail
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubtfully dubiously indefinite indefinitely questionably vaguely
WEAK
uncertain

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.

"This is surely a social circle," the stranger replied.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Ms. Sneff writes that “they surely numbered in the hundreds.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

A24 and Borgli surely knew this secret couldn’t stay hidden forever, and that’s ultimately a good thing.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Wall Street is surely hoping the next 50 will be just as special.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

If they had looked closer at Katrien, she would surely have given herself away: her face was a mask of terror.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.