CERTAINTY Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'certainty' differ from other similar words?

The words certitude and conviction are common synonyms of certainty . While all three words 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

Q: When might 'certitude' be a better fit than 'certainty'?

The synonyms certitude and certainty are sometimes interchangeable, but certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof. // believes with certitude in an afterlife

Q: When is 'conviction' a more appropriate choice than 'certainty'?

In some situations, the words conviction and certainty are roughly equivalent. However, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual. // holds firm convictions on every issue

certainty

noun

ˈsər-tᵊn-tē

Definition of certainty next

as in assurance

a state of mind in which one is free from doubt I have full certainty that I'll pass the test

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in likelihood

the quality or state of being impossible to avoid or evade the proverbial certainty of death and taxes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certainty differ from other similar words?

The words certitude and conviction are common synonyms of certainty. While all three words 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

When might certitude be a better fit than certainty?

The synonyms certitude and certainty are sometimes interchangeable, but certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

When is conviction a more appropriate choice than certainty?

In some situations, the words conviction and certainty are roughly equivalent. However, conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples 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 certainty Add a new certainty for 2025: A new director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). —

Ron Shevlin, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Last week, meteorologists began forecasting with increasing certainty which states might have a white Christmas this year. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 This regulatory certainty will catalyze stablecoin adoption across the fintech and traditional banking sectors, bolstering U.S. dollar dominance in global markets. —

Alexander S. Blume, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 At the moment, the only certainty with the Yankees’ 2025 defensive alignment is that Aaron Judge will be in right field. —

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for certainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainty

Noun

But Kavanaugh said tech companies that offer TikTok in their app stores would likely need assurances that they would not be prosecuted by the Justice Department if the platform was still available given that decision.

Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Zelensky said earlier Wednesday that countries wanting to end the war should offer Ukraine assurances about its future defense.

Illia Novikov, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025