2
: of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree
the house has a certain charm
3
a
: dependable, reliable
a certain remedy for the disease
b
: known or proved to be true : indisputable
it is certain that we exist
4
a
: inevitable
the certain advance of age
b
: incapable of failing : destined
—used with a following infinitive
she is certain to do well
5
: assured in mind or action
I am certain they are right
Synonyms
Examples of certain in a Sentence
Adjective
I'm fairly certain that I'll be on time.
a certain person told me that today is your birthday
Recent Examples on the Web
Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
This can be attained by reinforcing the presence of human reviewers to evaluate generative AI outputs, flagging certain content before such models are released to the public.
—Iese Business School, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
How has the competition changed? Concerns that what the Arclight Hollywood provided in terms of elevated attention for certain films, ability to perform when platform runs are still desired, and replacement of revenue have almost totally evaporated.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
But one thing seems certain: Benjamin is likely going to receive a very good grade on his thesis.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for certain 
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.
Adjective
Trump’s incoming Justice Department leaders are all but certain to drop the case once Trump has been sworn in.
—Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
This can be attained by reinforcing the presence of human reviewers to evaluate generative AI outputs, flagging certain content before such models are released to the public.
—Iese Business School, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
How has the competition changed? Concerns that what the Arclight Hollywood provided in terms of elevated attention for certain films, ability to perform when platform runs are still desired, and replacement of revenue have almost totally evaporated.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 16 Jan. 2025
But one thing seems certain: Benjamin is likely going to receive a very good grade on his thesis.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for certain
Dictionary Entries Near certain
Cite this Entry
“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certain. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
certain
1 of 2 adjective
cer·tain
ˈsərt-ᵊn 
1
: fixed sense 1b
receive a certain share of the profits
2
: not to be doubted : known to be true
it is certain that diamonds are hard
3
: known but not named
a certain person told me
5
a
: sure to happen : bound to occur : inevitable
defeat was certain
b
: decided in advance by or as if by fate
the plan was certain to succeed
6
: assured in mind or action
feel certain they will come
certain
2 of 2 pronoun
: certain ones
certain of them attended
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share