Definition of certainnext
1
as in one
known but not named a certain person told me that today is your birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in reliable
not likely to fail chicken soup is grandma's certain cure for pretty much whatever ails you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective certain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certain are cocksure, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for certain?

In some situations, the words cocksure and certain are roughly equivalent. However, cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

When is it sensible to use positive instead of certain?

While the synonyms positive and certain are close in meaning, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When could sure be used to replace certain?

The words sure and certain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of certain By nature of Darwinism, insects resistant to certain controls often breed and multiply in a garden, passing on that resistance as a genetic trait. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026 This herb may boost the immune system’s response to certain infections, including upper respiratory infections and skin infections. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 20 June 2026 In addition to the immense cost of buying out a utility’s assets — which likely amount to tens of billions of dollars across Connecticut — critics say that forcing a utility company to sell is all but certain to prompt legal challenges. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026 Hiring has picked up, too, yet opportunities remain concentrated in certain parts of the country. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for certain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certain
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • For this World Cup, the early reports said that a curtain would be used to make sure there would be no late-afternoon sun issues.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • One of the individuals was listed in temporary serious condition on Sunday, while the other was in stable condition.
    Nick Lentz, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • At a time when fossil fuel markets are driving price volatility and burdening families with higher utility bills, wind energy offers a stable, domestic source of power that is not subject to the unpredictable swings of gas prices.
    Julianna Larue, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • She's seen these parents put off their own health, including necessary surgeries.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • Simple, age-appropriate conversations about device use could help children understand the difference between necessary engagement and recreation.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The habits already known to support blood and skin health, sleep, nutrition, sun protection, not smoking and managing inflammation, remain the most reliable tools available right now.
    Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
  • Ferrari’s power unit is much more reliable, but this weekend, its hydraulics weren’t, costing Leclerc a race finish.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • From indie shorts and arthouse features to 3D family-friendly blockbusters, Canada’s presence this year is a definite sign of a resilient animation industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Despite that, her royal status has come with one definite perk.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • With confident goalkeeper Raúl Rangel in net, Mexico looks to shake off opening-match nerves and beat South Korea in Guadalajara.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • So playing characters who were so ferocious and bold and confident and determined and all that helped me profoundly in my personal life.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Soufiane Rahimi turned aside one final Scotland corner in the closing seconds to secure the win for Morocco.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
  • Business interests, including the chamber, Meta, Chevron and PG&E, collectively contributed more than $52 million toward electing Becerra and opposing Tom Steyer, his top Democratic rival in the final weeks of the primary.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certain. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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