surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇r-lē 

ˈshər-

especially Southern ˈshȯr-

1

: in a sure manner:

a

archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely

b(1)

: with assurance : confidently

answered quickly and surely

(2)

: without doubt : certainly

They will surely be heard from in the future.

—R. J. Lifton

2

: indeed, really

—often used as an intensive

you surely don't believe that

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Sure and surely are both used as simple intensives. Sure is informal and typically used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with.

She sure knew how to make me laugh.

That sure was fun.

Surely can occur in formal contexts and is used whether or not agreement is expected.

Surely you jest.

It is often applied when someone is making an effort to persuade.

a book surely worth anyone's time

Synonyms of surely

• certainly
• definitely
• sure
• clearly
• probably

Examples of surely in a Sentence

She answered quickly and surely.

He will surely be missed.

This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.

Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.

Recent Examples on the Web

The House seems almost surely headed for a Democratic handover — the party needs to flip only three seats, and well over a dozen Republican seats are in polling trouble. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026

The Eilish cameo will surely outweigh all other highlights in the popular vote that is (for once, picture-less) social media. — Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026

If that was secured, then full Arab participation in Israeli democracy would surely be a basis for future agreements, treaties and productive changes in the entire region. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Lastly, while summer is certainly a wonderful time to visit—and surely the most popular—I’m keen to come back in winter. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing surely

• slowly but surely

Rhymes for surely

• demurely
• maturely
• obscurely
• securely
• insecurely
• prematurely
• purely

Kids Definition

surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

a

: with confidence

answered quickly and surely

b

: without doubt : certainly

they will surely be heard from again

2

: beyond question : truly

I surely am tired this afternoon