surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇r-lē 

ˈshər-

especially Southern ˈshȯr-

1

: in a sure manner:

a

archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely

b(1)

: with assurance : confidently

answered quickly and surely

(2)

: without doubt : certainly

They will surely be heard from in the future.

—R. J. Lifton

2

: indeed, really

—often used as an intensive

you surely don't believe that

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Sure and surely are both used as simple intensives. Sure is informal and typically used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with.

She sure knew how to make me laugh.

That sure was fun.

Surely can occur in formal contexts and is used whether or not agreement is expected.

Surely you jest.

It is often applied when someone is making an effort to persuade.

a book surely worth anyone's time

Synonyms of surely

• certainly
• definitely
• sure
• clearly
• probably

Examples of surely in a Sentence

She answered quickly and surely.

He will surely be missed.

This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.

Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Avalanche, however wounded, however shamed, however desperate, surely know better than to cross it. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026

To begin with, the community is run by Blaine Shaw (Seth Numrich), surely the slickest scammer of old folks since John Mahoney’s nursing-home embezzler in 1989’s Say Anything. —Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026

The answer is almost surely a prenuptial agreement. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

The Trojans will surely lament, however, stranding runners in scoring position in each of the first seven innings. —Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing surely

• slowly but surely

Rhymes for surely

• demurely
• maturely
• obscurely
• securely
• insecurely
• prematurely
• purely

Kids Definition

surely

adverb

sure·​ly ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē 

1

a

: with confidence

answered quickly and surely

b

: without doubt : certainly

they will surely be heard from again

2

: beyond question : truly

I surely am tired this afternoon