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as in reliable
not likely to fail a sure cure for the winter blues—a week in the Bahamas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sure

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sure are certain, cocksure, and positive. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

When is certain a more appropriate choice than sure?

In some situations, the words certain and sure are roughly equivalent. However, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for sure?

The words cocksure and sure can be used in similar contexts, but cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would positive be a reasonable alternative to sure?

The synonyms positive and sure are sometimes interchangeable, but positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sure
Adjective
The poem was not by Marlowe, for sure. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 In a fairly brief novel, Huneven garnishes the story with surprises, detailing her characters with precision and a sure hand. The Know, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The final minute presented the ultimate opportunity to prove himself, and Dowling sure delivered. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 The Canes sure didn’t play like it (at least early). Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • Republican strategist Michael Biundo was among many to observe how confident Kirk was from the jump, how undaunted by being new to the scene and often the youngest person in the mix.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • It was created with the intention of promoting AI fluency and a future-ready, AI-confident workforce.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first three have helped shape a new-look defence, which had been identified as a necessary area of improvement since last summer.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • From breezy wide-leg pants to tailored joggers, these fashion finds will keep you comfy and put-together from day to night and throughout your travels—no iron necessary.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And especially with the other unknowns in the starting rotation, a reliable King changes the dynamic of how the Padres can navigate a postseason series.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Backed by Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is poised to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR for reliable, sustainable energy in AI and clean industries.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Redshirt junior Colton Boomer and true freshman Canaan Moore ach missed a field goal — Boomer from 46 yards and Moore from 24.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Red maple Red maple stays true to its name.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The geranium and the gingko tree yield data but no conclusive results.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But there are some good supporting turns, starting with Henry, Tony’s main Interpol contact, who appears from early episodes to be a good guy the leads are mistaking for a bad guy, although nothing is completely conclusive there right away.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Also, if the sesame balls with red bean paste pastries are available, then definitely try them for a post-noodle sweet treat.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • It’s named after—and home to—arguably one of the most iconic mountains in the country, and definitely the most iconic in Georgia.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the charming aspects of following foreign football is realising that certain concepts are expressed in different ways to how it’s done in your own country.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Since 2012, certain players and games are forever etched in the memories of those who watched.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Arriving home in the dark after work or dinners out is inevitable, but finding the front door doesn’t have to be a treacherous experience for you or your guests.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • James Strikes Again The opening goal in this encounter was inevitable.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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