certitude

noun

cer·​ti·​tude ˈsər-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce certitude (audio)
also -ˌtyüd
plural certitudes
Synonyms of certitudenext
1
: the state of being or feeling certain
2
: certainty of act or event
3
: something that is certain : certainty
In the United States, death is feared. … Though it is a certitude that we all must deal with someday …—Anne M. Johnson

Synonyms of certitude

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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 certitude in a Sentence

believes with certitude that he is the best candidate for the job
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.
Perhaps speaking in the harsh style of the prophets gave him an unearned moral certitude. — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025 Ultimately, not enough moral certitude exists to expel Vance. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 The choice was between cautious legality and moral certitude, and a brazen but singularly effective sudden strike. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 In an era where optimism can be hard to come by, the professed certitude of imminent environmental apocalypse is pretty much the least helpful thing imaginable. — MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin certitudo, from Latin certus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of certitude was in the 15th century

Rhymes for certitude

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Browse Nearby Words

certiorate
certitude
certosina
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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certitude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

Nglish: Translation of certitude for Spanish Speakers

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