Certainty — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈsər-tᵊn-tē/ cer·tain·ty

Meaning & Definition of Certainty

Certainty (noun)

  1. something that is certain
  2. the quality or state of being certain especially on the basis of evidence

Certainty (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a state of mind in which one is free from doubt

    "I have full certainty that I'll pass the test"

    similar: assurance, assuredness, certitude, cocksureness, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness, face, positiveness, satisfaction, sureness, surety
    related: authoritarianism, dogmatism, decisiveness, determination, firmness, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve
    opposite: doubt, incertitude, nonconfidence, uncertainty
    near: hesitancy, hesitation, indecisiveness, irresolution, disbelief, incredulity, unbelief, anxiety, concern, misgiving, distrust, mistrust, suspicion

  2. the quality or state of being impossible to avoid or evade

    "the proverbial certainty of death and taxes"

    similar: ineluctability, inevitability, inevitableness
    related: likelihood, probability, inexorability, inexorableness, relentlessness
    opposite: uncertainty
    near: preventability, improbability, unlikelihood, unlikeliness, doubtfulness, dubiousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Certainty

The most common words with a similar meaning to Certainty:

assurance, assuredness, certitude, cocksureness, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness, face, positiveness, satisfaction, sureness, surety, ineluctability, inevitability, inevitableness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Certainty

Words with the opposite meaning of Certainty:

doubt, incertitude, nonconfidence, uncertainty

Related Words for Certainty

authoritarianism, dogmatism, decisiveness, determination, firmness, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, resolve, likelihood, probability, inexorability, inexorableness, relentlessness

Near Antonyms of Certainty

hesitancy, hesitation, indecisiveness, irresolution, disbelief, incredulity, unbelief, anxiety, concern, misgiving, distrust, mistrust, suspicion, preventability, improbability, unlikelihood, unlikeliness, doubtfulness, dubiousness

Word Forms of Certainty

Inflections: certainties

Origin & Etymology of Certainty

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

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Certainty

Words & Phrases Containing Certainty

almost a certainty, with certainty

Frequently Asked Questions about Certainty

What does "Certainty" mean?

"Certainty" means something that is certain. As a noun, it is defined as: something that is certain. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Certainty"?

Other words for "Certainty" include assurance, assuredness, certitude, cocksureness, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness and face. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Certainty" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Certainty"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Certainty". Common alternatives include assurance, assuredness, certitude, cocksureness, confidence, conviction, doubtlessness, face, positiveness and satisfaction.

What is the opposite of "Certainty"?

Antonyms of "Certainty" include doubt, incertitude, nonconfidence and uncertainty. Near antonyms include hesitancy, hesitation, indecisiveness and irresolution.

How do you use "Certainty" in a sentence?

Examples of "Certainty" in a sentence: "I have full certainty that I'll pass the test"; "the proverbial certainty of death and taxes".

Is "Certainty" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Certainty" is a noun.

Is "Certainty" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Certainty" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Certainty"?

"Certainty" is pronounced /ˈsər-tᵊn-tē/ and divided into syllables as cer·tain·ty.