certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something that is certain

2

: the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence

Synonyms

• assurance
• confidence
• satisfaction
• conviction

Choose the Right Synonym for certainty

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt.

certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

, while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certainty in a Sentence

Scientists still do not know with any degree of certainty why the disease spread so quickly.

We cannot predict the outcome with absolute certainty.

There was no certainty that the package would arrive in time.

Her certainty about these complex moral issues is surprising.

Recent Examples on the Web

Markets continued to price in a near certainty for a Fed rate cut next week, and upped the odds for another in December, with just a 4% probability the central bank won't ease two more times before the end of the year, according to the CME Group's FedWatch. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

Her certainty falters as the light from the mothership dims, the last traces of the hive connection dying above them. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

What the weather forecasters will say with more certainty is that fall appears to have finally arrived with overcast skies, daytime highs in the 50s and overnight lows in the 30s and 40s, and a smattering of rain, mostly on Wednesday and Thursday. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Today, members of our nation’s military, federal law enforcement, TSA and air traffic controllers are keeping us safe without the certainty of a paycheck. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English certeinte, borrowed from Anglo-French certeinté, from certein, certain certain entry 1 + -té -ty

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing certainty

• almost a certainty
• with certainty

Rhymes for certainty

• uncertainty

Kids Definition

certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something certain

2

: the quality or state of being or feeling certain