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

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

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

And he’d surely like you to forget about it, too — or, well, most of it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

And by “one of us,” I surely meant me.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse