make certain
idiom
: to do something or find out something so that one has no doubt about whether something is true, correct, will happen, etc.
Make certain (that) you lock the door when you leave.
We must make certain this doesn't happen again.
She made certain she thanked each of them for coming.
Examples of make certain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For instance, political instability or conflict can make certain destinations inaccessible or undesirable.
—
David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This update includes a higher pigment load, which can make certain shades—like Cajun Shrimp—appear more vibrant.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Supporters have said the 50% threshold was too restrictive and left developers unable to make certain projects pencil out.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025
After Fisherman’s December arrest, Jean ordered him fitted with a monitor to make certain he was limited to staying within Miami-Dade County, a condition of his bond.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make certain
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David Nikel, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This update includes a higher pigment load, which can make certain shades—like Cajun Shrimp—appear more vibrant.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Supporters have said the 50% threshold was too restrictive and left developers unable to make certain projects pencil out.
—Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2025
After Fisherman’s December arrest, Jean ordered him fitted with a monitor to make certain he was limited to staying within Miami-Dade County, a condition of his bond.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for make certain
Cite this Entry
“Make certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20certain. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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