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
  • Clarity, not certainty, enables more conscious and courageous leadership.
    Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • When the only certainty was uncertainty, Elissa vowed to live.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Those assurances had been met in the Friday executive order, the governor’s press release said.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Making the most of limited time Because many of them are the sandwich generation right now—with aging parents as well as their own kids to contend with—Gen Xers want assurance there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
    Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Want to boost your confidence, income and career success?
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 19 May 2025
  • Today, Twine is announcing the launch of the Makers Mindset Accelerator: a premium video course designed to help CPG founders scale with clarity, confidence and strategy.
    Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • According to federal law, anything that’s forfeited following a criminal conviction could conceivably be used to help some or all of those alleged to have been victimized by Combs.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • One of the chief reasons Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in the initial trial was scrapped on appeal was the prosecution’s parade of Molineux witnesses—a lineup of three women recounting prior bad acts of Weinstein’s, all claims of assault, but none of them criminally charged.
    Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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