certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsər-tə-ˌtüd 

also -ˌtyüd

plural certitudes

1

: the state of being or feeling certain

2

: certainty of act or event

3

: something that is certain : certainty

In the United States, death is feared. … Though it is a certitude that we all must deal with someday …

—Anne M. Johnson

Synonyms of certitude

• certainty
• assurance
• confidence
• conviction

Choose the Right Synonym for certitude

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 certitude in a Sentence

believes with certitude that he is the best candidate for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

In the summer of 2023, the original organizers of what would become the Denver Summit NWSL franchise had a hunch—more like metaphysical certitude, really—that a massive untapped market existed for professional women’s soccer in the Mile High City. —Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The choice was between cautious legality and moral certitude, and a brazen but singularly effective sudden strike. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

Perhaps speaking in the harsh style of the prophets gave him an unearned moral certitude. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025

That tug-and-pull conflict between them exemplifies how adults invalidate children’s perspectives, assuming that their age has granted them unquestionable certitude. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin certitudo, from Latin certus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for certitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude
• interviewed

Kids Definition

certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsərt-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

: certainty