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

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 certainty The One, Big, Beautiful Bill doubles down on that trajectory with no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, 100% expensing, regulatory rollbacks, border security, and policy certainty. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 There's still no certainty around if or even when that would/could happen. Jeff Marks,zev Fima, CNBC, 2 July 2025 Generally, Proverbs-Job-Ecclesiastes can be viewed as a temporal trilogy reflecting certainty about wealth and health type rewards in this life for righteousness, with a transition to questioning any such connection, and then cynicism. Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 In a world where the only certainty is change, agility isn't just an advantage. Elaine Pulakos, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for certainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainty
Noun
  • That level of assurance does not appear to be materializing at this time.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • And there is no assurance, as recent examples indicate, that DJS will even learn that a youthful offender wearing an ankle monitor is AWOL.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The idea was to lessen the likelihood of World War III, given that much of Europe and Japan were literally in ashes.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Every decision from what’s in scope to what can be eliminated should support the core objective: enabling employee compliance teams to act with minimum friction and maximum confidence, even with the constant uncertainty of regulatory change.
    Kelvin Dickenson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday expressed greater confidence than her European counterparts that the country could reach a deal with the U.S. before the tariffs take effect.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • These granular insights help fine-tune strategy, improve customer satisfaction and enhance operational efficiency.
    Roman Lavrentev, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • However, rather than addressing these shortages through a focus on employee satisfaction, other businesses are already exploring a different solution: Automation.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
  • And over decades, the probability of layoff has fallen significantly.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The man from Mexico had prior convictions for car theft and drug possession.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Following his conviction, DNA evidence connected him to raping a teacher at gunpoint at school in 1997.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certainty. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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