Definition of certainnext
1
as in one
known but not named a certain person told me that today is your birthday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in reliable
not likely to fail chicken soup is grandma's certain cure for pretty much whatever ails you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective certain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of certain are cocksure, positive, and sure. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," 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 certain?

In some situations, the words cocksure and certain are roughly equivalent. However, cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

When is it sensible to use positive instead of certain?

While the synonyms positive and certain are close in meaning, positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

When could sure be used to replace certain?

The words sure and certain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

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 certain Things like an object’s size and weight must meet certain criteria, and they must also be designed to be robust enough to survive the violence of a rocket launch. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026 Another example is certain Volkswagen Beetles, where servicing the cooling system fan or air‑conditioning condenser requires removal of the bumper cover and both front fenders. Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026 If the urge is habitual or problematic, certain changes in behavior can help bring it under control. Md Published, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2026 Their whirlwind romance leads to an engagement–and a future that feels certain. Fleurine Tideman, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for certain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certain
Adjective
  • Drinkwater didn't make one appearance in a Chelsea shirt last season, whilst Bakayoko spent the season in Italy on loan at AC Milan.
    SI.com, SI.com, 3 Aug. 2019
  • Decisions made by engineers today, in other words, will determine not how one car drives but how all cars drive.
    Johannes Himmelreich, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Mar. 2018
Adjective
  • The fans are sure to clock in for its extra nuggets of lore, but there are few reasons for a non-Slimehead to take the plunge.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • Holland's not quite sure why so many in his generation are avoiding alcohol.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The survivor is in stable condition.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • He was placed on detox monitoring, which was later discontinued after his condition appeared stable.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With his girth, incredible wingspan (85 inches) and arm length (35 inches), Collins is the requisite two-gap defensive tackle necessary for San Francisco’s defense.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • That means an entertainment license wouldn’t be necessary anymore for bars that want to host trivia nights, for bowling alleys and for coffee shops that have an unamplified live performer.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This Oxo spinner remains one of the most reliable options, with a smooth pump mechanism and sturdy construction that holds up better than most.
    Jennifer Zyman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In his first varsity season, the junior infielder/pitcher has developed into a reliable reliever for the Warriors.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • From California to Annecy, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios will travel with two back-to-back presentations, a definite highlight of Annecy’s Friday in recent years.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Getting Clardy is a definite positive.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Bader felt confident in creating a collection that would cater to Show Me Your Mumu's shoppers as well as her followers.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Just being more confident in my choice of what is funny and what’s not.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An Eliot Wolf pick Eliot Wolf will have final say on the Patriots’ draft picks Saturday, when Mike Vrabel will be away with his family and seeking counseling.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Redick worked with James’ trainer Mike Mancias to ensure his 41-year-old star’s durability in the final aughts of the game – the four-time NBA MVP eventually playing a team-high 45 minutes while using any opportunity to sink to the floor for a breather.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certain. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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