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

That disposition, building inside a system with no certainty of outcome, is what every emerging market requires from the people inside it who are not yet famous enough to wait. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

As the ice melts between their open palms, time flows backwards, revealing two strangers bound by a silent recognition and a love that longs for neither shape nor certainty, but only the grace of existing. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

Others are seeking to draw up financial reports to their jurisdictions and authorities but do not have certainty over whether to include the payments. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Their hope is to get that plan submitted and accepted under the previous guidelines, to create certainty for their operations going forward regardless of how the federal rule change fares. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 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