definitely

adverb

ˈde-fə-nit-lē How to pronounce definitely (audio)
Definition of definitelynext
as in certainly
without any question that is definitely the kind of dog we're looking to adopt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 definitely And this is definitely one of them – an opportunity to meet, build, learn, and dream. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 The lower strings were definitely emphasized on this track, but the higher strings still had a nice timbre, while the brass instruments sounded bright enough. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026 In regards to first choice, Sunrise on the Reaping definitely hot with women, but men under 25 aren’t far behind. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 Yeah, there’s definitely subset of individuals who want privacy, want maximum discretion, and Bring a Trailer is a very public forum, right? — Joel Feder, The Drive, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for definitely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for definitely
  1. certainly
  2. surely
  3. sure
  4. clearly
  5. probably
  6. really
Adverb
  • The sense of freedom from reading post-apocalyptic fiction aside (on the table, open for debate), writing it certainly has been a breath of fresh air.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • But perhaps the image of Minaj onstage will inspire the MAGA set to adopt Demna’s revamp of the house—some of the caricatural archetypes in his most recent collection certainly leaned conservative.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainly
Adverb
  • The bike could surely be quite a bit lighter without the folding capability, but Lectric has made the entire Trike2 range foldable, so that's that!
    — Loz Blain October 26, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Much like the Whos down in Whoville kept the spirit of Christmas alive in spite of the Grinch’s gift-stealing gambit, Halloween revelers can surely find ways to enjoy merriment on Saturday.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of surely
Adverb
  • The heated pool isn’t a big draw in polar climes, but the hot tubs sure are, particularly after passengers take the polar plunge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • And sure, sometimes that involves freezing his rear end off in a pumpkin patch.
    — Colin Fleming, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of sure
Adverb
  • Yet the reporting does not clearly distinguish between regional conditions that increase risk and findings establishing why these buildings developed mold.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The authors acknowledge the tax code doesn’t clearly define wagering, and neither courts nor the IRS have stated a position on whether sports event contracts count as wagers under tax law.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of clearly
Adverb
  • So the theoretical maximum is 256 ESSMs rather than 64 missiles, although a practical loadout would probably mix missile types.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The overall answer probably won't surprise you, but the nitty-gritty details might.
    — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of probably
Adverb
  • And yet 59% of the Hornets’ shots came from three-point range — this is a team that really never stops shooting them, for better or for worse.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Loves, cities, and musical genres may change, but that girl who felt left out has never really stopped writing.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of really

Browse Nearby Words

definite
definitely
definiteness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Definitely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/definitely. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fulsome

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All