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 of certainty

• 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

Public investors receive a minority interest with limited influence and no certainty about when the controlling owner will eventually sell. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Still, there’s a cost certainty that comes with Ray that doesn’t come with, say, Reid Detmers of the Angels. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Those companies can now point to the US agreement as proof that Kinshasa accepts the need for greater legal and fiscal certainty when the political return is high enough. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 20 July 2026

There is no certainty this will happen because, as one NFLPA source told Fox News Digital, asking for something always means having to give up something and that often means money in negotiations with owners – as in players would get less. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

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