Synonyms of certainty

certainty

noun

ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

1

as in assurance

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt

I have full certainty that I'll pass the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

• assurance
• confidence
• satisfaction
• conviction
• certitude
• assuredness
• sureness
• surety
• positiveness
• cocksureness
• doubtlessness
• determination
• face
• dogmatism
• authoritarianism
• resolution
• decisiveness
• firmness
• resolve
• purposefulness
• resoluteness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertainty
• doubt
• hesitation
• hesitancy
• irresolution
• concern
• disbelief
• incertitude
• indecisiveness
• incredulity
• anxiety
• unbelief
• nonconfidence
• suspicion
• distrust
• misgiving
• mistrust

2

as in likelihood

the quality or state of being impossible to avoid or evade

the proverbial certainty of death and taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• likelihood
• inevitability
• probability
• inevitableness
• ineluctability
• inexorability
• relentlessness
• inexorableness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• uncertainty
• improbability
• unlikelihood
• preventability
• doubtfulness
• unlikeliness
• dubiousness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certainty differ from other similar words?

The words certitude and conviction are common synonyms of certainty. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When might certitude be a better fit than certainty?

The synonyms certitude and certainty are sometimes interchangeable, but certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

When is conviction a more appropriate choice than certainty?

In some situations, the words conviction and certainty are roughly equivalent. However, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of certainty

The theory behind a two-window system was to introduce greater contractual stability and certainty, with clubs previously free to trade up until March 31. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026

But new research has challenged centuries of certainty. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 3 Feb. 2026

The certainty that Iger wouldn’t be staying past 2026 put top Disney executives in a fishbowl — none more so than Walden. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026

Mindset Lessons from Career Traders Long-term traders rarely sound like television pundits who speak in certainties. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026