SURE Synonyms: 230 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sure 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshu̇r

Definition of sure next

as in confident

having or showing a mind free from doubt are you absolutely sure that she said she was coming today?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in necessary

impossible to avoid or evade the joke's a sure dud if you don't pause in the right places

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in true

worthy of one's trust a sister is a sure friend for life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in conclusive

not capable of being challenged or proved wrong no sure evidence that life exists on other planets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure

2 of 2

adverb

as in definitely

without any question we sure could use your help here

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 sure

Adjective

Who is your favorite pro golfer? Tiger Woods, for sure. —

Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025 Still, co-CEO Ted Sarandos said Netflix isn’t sure acquiring a full season’s worth of games from any of the major U.S. sports will be a profitable venture for the company. —

Alex Sherman, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025

Adverb

Stephen Schwartz’s songs sure do soar in this film, and golly, a 100-piece orchestra is beyond joyous. —

Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025 And sure, Saban would have freaked out about his team staying at a Ramada at Penn State. —

Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure

Adjective

The surgeons, however, were confident about the procedure for the four-time PGA Tour winner.

— Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
The survey showed 73% of chief executives surveyed were confident in their company growth prospects, compared to 70% in September and to 64% in January last year.

— Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025