certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something that is certain

2

: the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence

Synonyms

• assurance
• assuredness
• certitude
• cocksureness
• confidence
• conviction
• doubtlessness
• face
• positiveness
• satisfaction
• sureness
• surety

Choose the Right Synonym for certainty

certainty, certitude, conviction mean a state of being free from doubt.

certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

, while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certainty in a Sentence

Scientists still do not know with any degree of certainty why the disease spread so quickly.

We cannot predict the outcome with absolute certainty.

There was no certainty that the package would arrive in time.

Her certainty about these complex moral issues is surprising.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gladwell ends his new Tipping Point on the same note of certainty as his original. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 27 Sep. 2024

Social media has ingrained in the public a habit of ideological certainty that playwrights worth their salt know is a lie. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

The Inflation Reduction Act created unprecedented 10-year policy certainty for U.S. renewables, which spent decades living or dying with one- or two-year extensions of their primary tax credits, often arriving during the week between Christmas and New Years. —Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

The hairs were documented extensively and could be authenticated with more certainty than the blood samples, Parson said. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English certeinte, borrowed from Anglo-French certeinté, from certein, certain certain entry 1 + -té -ty

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing certainty

• almost a certainty
• with certainty

Kids Definition

certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē 

plural certainties

1

: something certain

2

: the quality or state of being or feeling certain