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
  • In a world where the only certainty is change, agility isn't just an advantage.
    Elaine Pulakos, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • That certainty dampens any excitement to find out what happens to her next.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 July 2025
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
  • Full of confidence and eager to prove the worth of his colt, the veteran conditioner brilliantly prepared Forever Young for another run on American soil in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • The findings show a growing generational divide in workplace confidence, and these fears are not necessarily unfounded.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Following his conviction, DNA evidence connected him to raping a teacher at gunpoint at school in 1997.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • Instead, the show reflects the tone and tactics of actual missions, like the arrest of Terry Sakamoto, a fugitive with prior convictions for robbery, assault and making criminal threats, per ABC News.
    Aya Al-Hakim, People.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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