Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certitude differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and conviction are common synonyms of certitude. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When would conviction be a good substitute for certitude?

The words conviction and certitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 certitude And in thinking about it, it should be said with certitude that those who feel fortunate enough to own bitcoin (and surely many feel this way) don’t really own money or a coin. John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024 The point of the game is to take satisfaction in killing with moral certitude. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 To me, Cardinal Lawrence gives a beautiful speech at the beginning of the film, talking about the evil of certitude and the moral preciousness of doubt. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • This gives you certainty and a guarantee of progress.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But instead of a decade of policy certainty as had been expected, federal tax credits for clean energy now are set to abruptly end after 2027.
    Mike O’Boyle, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This dynamic, automated and tamper-proof validation offered superior assurance compared to traditional static reporting methods.
    Mirror Tang, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Headline-grabbing promises and assurances of simple solutions have worked well for Trump in domestic political campaigning, but defaulting to the types of blustery deal-making that Trump has done his whole life is simply not going to work for extremely sensitive international relations.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, sleeping in that position is also a sign of confidence and security.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Navigating this volatility requires clarity and consistency, both of which fuel confidence in success.
    Lynn O'Leary, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In June, the CATO Institute published numbers showing the 65% of people being detained had no criminal convictions of any kind.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The president pardoned rapper Lil Wayne before leaving office in 2020, clearing a federal weapons conviction.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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