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 Targets include Hollywood, academia and ideological certitude. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 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 settlement is a fair outcome, given the evidence put forth by SCE and [the CPUC Public Advocates Office], and recovery will provide long-term financial certainty so SCE can continue to safely and affordably deliver clean, reliable electricity to our customers.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Williams said Bloomberg Philanthropies wanted to offer certainty to U.N. Climate Change that their budget would be met.
    Thalia Beaty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Staffers, though, want full assurance that Pappas will not be shuttered and that their patients will not be displaced.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025
  • But many Venezuelan opposition figures are skeptical of these Trump administration assurances.
    Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Offshore wind, while promising, remains one of the more expensive sources of renewable energy, making robust policy support crucial for investor confidence.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Building confidence and learning to love yourself are lengthy (if very worthwhile) pursuits.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine’s agony, with its echoes of Hitlerian aggression, calls into question the deepest convictions of those of us who are convinced there must be a more robust way to constrain, or at least disincentivize, the Putins of this world.
    Winslow Myers, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Last summer, the state vacated the murder conviction and life sentence of Taji Pearson.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near certitude

Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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