Definition of certitudenext

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 The Constitution protects a pluralistic society from the dangers of centralized authority and ideological certitude. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025 The face, more squarely adult now, has a certitude in the jaw and an impatience in the eyes. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 Both also blamed those who were not responsible, traded in the language of contagions and moral certitude, and believed that controlling the medium could solve the problem — or, at the very least, not deepen the problem further. Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 To those worried about an unchecked secularism, Dobson was a powerful agitator for his version of moral certitude and fundamentalist faith. Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • His certainty was expressed despite the fact his family is exploring a sale of the team, which could be completed by the start of the 2026 season.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • But permitting moves too slowly, regulatory timelines stretch indefinitely, and long-term certainty remains absent.
    Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Given the government’s refund assurances, however, the trade court put all the lawsuits on hold until the Supreme Court’s decision.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Scores of vendors are owed millions of dollars after being stiffed for several years, even while Baker and his team gave assurances that all would work out and that the combination of Saks and Neiman’s would eventually thrive.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The coalition led by Abubakar and Obi may yet figure out a maneuver and policy outlook that commands Nigerians’ attention and confidence.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Students who experience high-quality civic education are more likely to complete college and develop employable skills, vote, discuss current issues, speak in public with confidence, contact public officials and volunteer in their communities to address issues of common concern.
    Erin Carlson Mast, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The conviction last week closes a case that dates to December, when Hernandez was found guilty of two counts of child abuse likely to produce great bodily harm or death.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The judge vacated his conviction and ruled Vedam was entitled to a new trial.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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