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as in reliable
not likely to fail a sure cure for the winter blues—a week in the Bahamas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sure

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sure are certain, cocksure, and positive. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

When is certain a more appropriate choice than sure?

In some situations, the words certain and sure are roughly equivalent. However, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for sure?

The words cocksure and sure can be used in similar contexts, but cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would positive be a reasonable alternative to sure?

The synonyms positive and sure are sometimes interchangeable, but positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

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 sure
Adjective
Researchers aren’t completely sure why, though disease, competition, and other factors might have played a role. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2025 Trump’s latest decision is also sure to be challenged, said lawyers challenging Trump’s decision to roll back TPS for Haitians in a federal lawsuit in New York. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
Adverb
Designers in the high fashion world sure think so, too: Luxurious eyewear was all over the recent fall 2025 runways. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 May 2025 Of course, that’s a conversation for the fall (though the weather in Minneapolis and Detroit this week sure feels like playoff weather). Zack Meisel, New York Times, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • From there, the team set about making Victor feel comfortable and confident as both a filmmaker and a performer.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
  • Hollinger’s analysis: Zach Kleiman once again trades up to get his guy; this pick was made by Portland but is being sent to the Grizzlies, who weren’t confident Coward would get to them at 16.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Of course the private sector can price assets correctly of its own accord, and if riskless securities are necessary for this purpose, the private sector can produce them.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Eduardo Cavaliere, Rio’s vice mayor, said in an interview that the rules were necessary to impose some order to a sometimes chaotic scene.
    Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • As such, trees grown from seed provide a reliable and affordable (free) option for backyard growers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Beyond simply offering a competent and reliable service, however, Lazarus knew that the repair process needed to be streamlined with a client-centric approach from start to finish.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Be open to what needs to be dismantled in order to build something stronger and more aligned with your true path in the future.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • That might sound dramatic, but in my work with leaders over the years (and in my own life), it’s proven absolutely true.
    Jill D. Griffin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
  • Replay seemed to show LeMahieu getting in under Sánchez’s tag, but a lack of conclusive evidence led to the original call being upheld after a review.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
Adverb
  • The Mandalorian and Andor are done (Mando with its movie), The Acolyte was cancelled, The Book of Boba Fett is definitely dead.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The much smaller women’s bath hall shows that this was definitely a man’s world during Hot Springs’ peak years as a therapeutic and recreational resort.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • As the United States hurtles toward the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding on July 4, 1776, certain subjects seem to dominate the iconography of American independence.
    Karin Wulf, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
  • Local officials worry they could even be charged for certain votes on city or county councils.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the conditions for change are met, the outcome is inevitable.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: Eventually these will be perfected and become part of normal operations, just as self-driving cars are inevitable.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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