1
as in one
known but not named
a certain person told me that today is your birthday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sure
having or showing a mind free from doubt
I'm certain that they'll arrive on time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change
a certain percentage of the profits will go to charity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in necessary
impossible to avoid or evade
as he got older, the athlete began to feel the certain effects of the aging process on his body
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in reliable
not likely to fail
chicken soup is grandma's certain cure for pretty much whatever ails you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in definite
not capable of being challenged or proved wrong
up to this point there's been no certain evidence that a crime has been committed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of certain
Local officials worry they could even be charged for certain votes on city or county councils.
—
The Npr Network, NPR, 1 July 2025
As the United States hurtles toward the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding on July 4, 1776, certain subjects seem to dominate the iconography of American independence.
—Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Since becoming a household name in recent years, Brunson explained the difficulty of keeping certain parts of her life private.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 30 June 2025
Watch how the characters hit and hold certain key poses as the camera glides and zooms around them.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for certain
The Npr Network, NPR, 1 July 2025
As the United States hurtles toward the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding on July 4, 1776, certain subjects seem to dominate the iconography of American independence.
—Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Since becoming a household name in recent years, Brunson explained the difficulty of keeping certain parts of her life private.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 30 June 2025
Watch how the characters hit and hold certain key poses as the camera glides and zooms around them.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for certain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certain
Adjective
-
Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.—
SI.com,
SI.com,
3 Aug. 2019
-
Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.—
Johannes Himmelreich,
BostonGlobe.com,
30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
-
Beth Callahan wasn't all that sure about the clinical trial at first, but Kevin couldn't stop thinking about all that had gone into it – getting chemotherapy as an approved treatment.—
Ted Koppel,
CBS News,
29 June 2025
-
One thing is for sure, though: cleaning out your clothes can be a major endeavor, which can sometimes feel both emotional and overwhelming.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
One of the victims was in critical condition and the other was in stable condition, McCarty said.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
29 June 2025
-
In 1978 Lukas dissolved his quarter-horse stable and immersed himself in thoroughbred racing at Santa Anita.—
Neil Milbert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
Doctors complain the process is burdensome and it's often used to delay or deny medically necessary medical care for patients.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
-
By thoughtfully considering how their cultures impact new graduate experiences, companies can create environments that not only attract top talent but also foster the innovation and adaptability necessary for future success.—
Brendan Keegan,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
-
Congress created the Federal Communications Commission 90 years ago—to regulate and ensure reliable and affordable telecommunications services throughout the country.—
NPR Washington Desk,
NPR,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The key was batting behind Ruth, a definite candidate for the greatest player.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
And given that toppers were developed specifically as a lighter, simpler alternative to full-bodied campers, designed to fit within limited midsize truck payloads, that extra beef is a definite problem for some shoppers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
From there, the team set about making Victor feel comfortable and confident as both a filmmaker and a performer.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Hollinger’s analysis: Zach Kleiman once again trades up to get his guy; this pick was made by Portland but is being sent to the Grizzlies, who weren’t confident Coward would get to them at 16.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
As most readers already know, the Beatles’ final U.S. tour closed the door on touring altogether.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Few Republicans appeared fully satisfied as the final package emerged, in either the House or the Senate.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certain. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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