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

Example 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 There is not only going to be more money available for next season, but now teams can plan with more certainty for two and three years from now. —

Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2025 However, their remote data couldn't pinpoint the exact types of molecules with any certainty. —

Victoria Corless, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Double-digit regular season wins and playoff runs have been a certainty for both. —

Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 But that certainty, driven by common sense, time, and emotional self-preservation, has been shaken by the faint glimmer of hope from his Innie’s desperate cries. —

Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for certainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for certainty

Noun

The assurance from Bondi that President Trump would not enforce the law was enough for Apple and Google to bring the app back.

— Bobby Allyn, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025
An article that year published by the Heritage Foundation — the group whose Project 2025 now appears, despite some Trump assurances to the contrary, to be driving much of his second administration’s rollout — laid out the case against the CFPB’s very existence.

— Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025