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

Interest rate futures trading suggests close to a 90% certainty the Fed policy rate will come down next week, according to the CME Group FedWatch tool . —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025

Second is sycophancy, where AI chatbots tend to reinforce users’ existing biases rather than challenge them, creating echo chambers that amplify certainty in one’s beliefs. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

What worked last year might be obsolete today, and certainty is a luxury few can afford. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

The cast and Kore-eda address that question with humor and nuance, a lot of meal scenes for all The Makanai nostalgists, and a finale that suggests love is a choice to be made every day rather than a certainty to take for granted. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 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