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 Their certitude attracted me to the drug, which last fall secured U.S. regulatory approval as standalone therapy for schizophrenia. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2025 Coyle may think not, but some of us will dismiss Coyle’s certitude not with magic, but with market signals. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Fukuyama's grand vision was, by the mid-2000s, a cautionary tale about the dangers of pat certitudes in ivory towers. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • While these remain allegations and suspicions at this time the facts remain that the size, timing, and one-way directionality of the position indicate higher-than-normal certainty for such a large unhedged position.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Fears turned to near certainty.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Wings will need to know details of the programs and get assurance that the government will repay the line of credit, according to the letter.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Also, there is no assurance of affordability once a developer is in the picture, and the city of Lakewood has no accounting of how many affordable units have been built, at least the number has not been made public when asked in council meetings.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This emotional confidence will encourage upbeat times socializing with others, as well as exploring sports events and fun activities with kids.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The Gators’ performance didn’t appear to spark confidence in athletic director Scott Stricklin.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • An Alford plea is one in which a defendant admits no guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The series plays out over eight too-long episodes that painstakingly track the story from Paul's crash to Alex's conviction.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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