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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
There’s many open doors to walk through next, that’s for sure. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025 Last night’s event was a poignant moment for the mother and son; expect to see more in the coming months as the royal calendar builds up—with both Princess Catherine and Prince George sure to look a polished pair. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
Adverb
But people sure do keep trying! Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2025 Pamela Anderson is having a moment, and though her love affair with Liam Neeson may or may not be legit, her pickles sure are. Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • If Purdy is still unable to take the field in Week 10, the 49ers are confident that Jones can continue his solid play at the quarterback position.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Both Mason and Green are confident the race will be called quickly for Sheffield, who has been a frontrunner in the race.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • After giving birth to her second child in April, the 32-year-old was determined to continue breastfeeding her son — a choice that was both personally important and financially necessary for her family.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration says the decision is necessary to keep travelers safe.
    Rio Yamat, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Clean energy is driving a state of 40 million people, offering more affordable energy and creating reliable jobs that will power the future.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Becton is not reliable at this stage.
    Daniel Popper, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The interior of the shoe stays true to the brand’s line of classic winter boots, lined with a plush wool blend.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
  • One mailer in particular said that Persson and fellow Democratic candidates wanted to build apartments on 300 acres of green space, which isn’t true, Persson said.
    Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Despite numerous conclusive assessments that the Saudi regime planned and perpetrated Khashoggi’s murder, the high-level officials who ordered his execution have gone unpunished, six years on.
    Scott Griffen, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • All told, whether a dive bar is in a downtown area, off a busy main street or hidden in a neighborhood, these are beloved spots that draw regulars and newcomers for the drinks, perhaps a good bar burger, but definitely the camaraderie.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Except, of course, there definitely have been Mexicans protesting ICE actions, flying Mexican flags and saying California and Texas were stolen from them.
    Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In certain sources, silence speaks loudly.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The fall of Pokrovsk – the strategic value of which has already been greatly diminished, but which would nevertheless represent the biggest win for Moscow since 2023 – now seems almost inevitable, according to those on the ground.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This character of aberrance is what makes accidental surfing deaths seem inevitable—or, rather, inexorable, built into the subway’s force.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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