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

Seeking certainty Traditionally, engineers have dealt with singularities through software fixes. —Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2026

The possibility of placing a bond on the ballot is far from a certainty — trustees did not discuss placing a bond on the November ballot in depth Thursday night, instead focusing on equity issues that could come up through the consolidation process. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Bloomberg reported that the merger talks were in the preliminary stages and there is no certainty a deal will go through, according to the outlet’s unnamed sources. —Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026

The result had become a near-certainty since the fall, when the junior guided Indiana through its first undefeated season, winning the Heisman after passing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns along with seven scores on the ground. —Noah White, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 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