certainly

adverb

ˈsər-tᵊn-lē How to pronounce certainly (audio)
Definition of certainlynext
as in definitely
without any question certainly, you can come to the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 certainly Living with Michael Jackson certainly had something to say back then. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 July 2026 There's certainly a lot more awareness now than earlier years to be proactive in thinking about this. — Leonard David, Space.com, 22 July 2026 While a mailbox’s primary purpose hasn’t changed much over the years, its design certainly has. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 Organizations certainly need people who can work confidently alongside AI and digital tools. — Becky Frankiewicz, Fortune, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for certainly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainly
  1. definitely
  2. surely
  3. sure
  4. clearly
  5. probably
  6. really
Adverb
  • The ladies really do it up, particularly Tamra and Vicki, who definitely hired a makeup artist to make them into the female version of Bad Grandpa.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • DeMarco said there’s no timetable for Satou Sabally (concussion), but a return definitely won’t be prior to All-Star Break.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of definitely
Adverb
  • The French surely will consider Saturday’s consolation match a massive letdown.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • And if the lights at Arrowhead are too big for them, surely something could be arranged to have Kauffman be a better fit.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Definition of surely
Adverb
  • Louis Varland being a better trade deadline pickup from that Twins bullpen than Griffin Jax sure is something else.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Kennedy, a shortstop who hails from Fort Worth, improved his play dramatically after undergoing LASIK surgery, and scouts sure took notice.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
Definition of sure
Adverb
  • With Cincinnati clearly swinging for the fences after an active offseason in hopes of maximizing quarterback Joe Burrow’s prime, Pitcher could receive an even larger spotlight.
    — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The true number of cases is in the thousands, clearly exceeding the country’s standard range of between 2,000 and 5,000 in recent years.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Definition of clearly
Adverb
  • The previous disruptions to shipping between 2023 and 2025 probably cost some $20 billion a year, according to industry estimates.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • The biggest hope was probably SpaceXAI, trumpeting the promise of generative artificial intelligence.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of probably
Adverb
  • Mainoo, sitting on the bench, could be forgiven for wondering if Tuchel had really watched his matches in the second half of last season.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • There are so many extras and cast members, the lighting was really complicated, and I was being followed by a spotlight all the time.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Definition of really

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Cite this Entry

“Certainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certainly. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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