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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
But knowing for sure that Kris got a facelift or that Kylie has breast implants can’t and won’t resolve the feelings of resentment so many of us have toward them for their impact on how we’re expected to present ourselves. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 June 2025 Essentially, astronomers need more observations to say for sure what will ensue in the stars billions of years from now. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Adverb
And if anybody thinks things get easier now that the Celtics have been booted all the way to next season must have missed what the Pacers just did to the Cavaliers, whose regular season sure was better than Boston’s. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 Beach vacations are a blast, but the expenses sure stack up fast. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • But negative feelings are running high across all sectors; the most confident sector in April was construction, and that was down nearly 4 points from January.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Battled-hardened and confident from winning the Premier League, and on the verge of a ludicrously successful transfer window.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • But policy continuity is key to attracting the foreign investment necessary to realize these goals.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
  • Of course, stepping in is sometimes necessary, especially depending on one's life or career stage.
    Ujjwal Ramtekkar, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Embrace tools that highlight alternate components that match form, fit and function, and offer reliable alternatives based on factors like cost, inventory, country of origin and lifecycle status.
    Steve Flagg, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Lightweight, quick-drying, and trail-tough, these pants have been a reliable companion for hiking and travel.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Born in Seattle, Schmetzer was a true two-way midfielder as a player with defensive steel and an eye for creating chances.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • Gödel showed that any system of axioms in mathematics permits the formulation of statements that can’t be shown to be true or false.
    Philip Ball, Wired News, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Adverb
  • Cornstarch is especially crucial for baked meringues in hot and humid areas, and the American South is most definitely that, to say the least.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • There are definitely different applicable statutes, depending on the form of community association.
    Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • While certain details in specific scenes were modified and some dialogue subtly shifted to enhance the story, the new version follows the original plot’s three-act structure to a tee.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 June 2025
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The four-walled hideaway sets up quickly to help campers escape the bloodthirsty swarm of mosquitoes, biting midges and other gnawing pests that can be an inevitable part of an outdoor stay.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 May 2025
  • Although wildfire prevention is the best strategy, some wildfires are inevitable.
    Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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