certainty

noun

cer·​tain·​ty ˈsər-tᵊn-tē How to pronounce certainty (audio)
plural certainties
Synonyms of certaintynext
1
: something that is certain
2
: the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence

Synonyms of certainty

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certainty, certitude, conviction 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

while certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

conviction applies especially to belief strongly held by an individual.

holds firm convictions on every issue

Examples of certainty in a Sentence

Scientists still do not know with any degree of certainty why the disease spread so quickly. We cannot predict the outcome with absolute certainty. There was no certainty that the package would arrive in time. Her certainty about these complex moral issues is surprising.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The nightcap for this dance party of an album takes an honest look at the unforeseen pitfalls and points where success was not a certainty. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026 After a tumultuous start to the year, what certainties are companies counting on, and what will drive the economy beyond the summer months? — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 6 July 2026 Death, taxes and Jean Smart winning another Emmy are among life’s certainties. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 This pursuit of inner peace, whether through vacations or symbolic purchases, may reflect a generation trying to buy calm in a country where certainty is itself a luxury. — CNN Money, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for certainty

Word History

Etymology

Middle English certeinte, borrowed from Anglo-French certeinté, from certein, certain certain entry 1 + -té -ty

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of certainty was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing certainty

Rhymes for certainty

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Browse Nearby Words

certainness
certainty
certation
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Cite this Entry

“Certainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certainty. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

certainty

noun
cer·​tain·​ty ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē How to pronounce certainty (audio)
plural certainties
1
: something certain
2
: the quality or state of being or feeling certain

More from Merriam-Webster on certainty

Nglish: Translation of certainty for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about certainty

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