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

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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 Japan: Shares slip before weekend election Nervous investors cut the Nikkei 225 by 0.60% in advance of Sunday elections, which will determine if the ruling Liberal Democrats win a majority and add a level of certainty to current economic policies. —

Ian Mount, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 Getting out of your place in order to be more yourself; finding differences that unite us, having certainties that disagree and unite us. —

Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2024 And even more so now, the idea that the quietly revolutionary stance is to embrace doubt rather than certainty. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024 Your certainty that there was a snub in repaying your kindness with inferior tuna perplexes Miss Manners. —

Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for certainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainty

Noun

His family later sued Alameda County and received a $7 million settlement along with assurances that the sheriff’s office would implement new training for its deputies.

Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
There are no assurances regarding the success of these efforts.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024