certainty

noun

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

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 The certainty that Ramadan would end, and so would the hunger, made the days easier. Zaina Arafat, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 But looming over that gathering was also the near certainty that former President Donald Trump would run against Biden in November elections – and that either winner would continue to drive a tough China policy. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024 The climactic scene between the nun and the priest, as their certainties finally collide, is thus slightly muffled in this production, which doesn’t take enough time to let the momentousness of what’s happening sink in. Jesse Green, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The only certainty is that media, social and otherwise, will lap it all up. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 Such dramatic certainty creates a variety of insensitivities, as total confidence tends to. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024 Because for renters, an eventual move is a near certainty. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 Those certainties, along with money issues and the human tendency to kick problems down the road, may have kept efforts to resolve the issue in the slow lane over the years. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 There is no certainty Bronny will make the NBA, let alone be a star, let alone be what his father is. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'certainty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near certainty

Cite this Entry

“Certainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certainty. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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