Synonym Chooser

How does the noun certitude differ from other similar words?

The words certainty and conviction are common synonyms of certitude. While all three words mean "a state of being free from doubt," certitude may emphasize a faith in something not needing or not capable of proof.

believes with certitude in an afterlife

How do certainty and certitude relate to one another?

Both certainty and certitude are very close; certainty may stress the existence of objective proof.

claims that cannot be confirmed with scientific certainty

When would conviction be a good substitute for certitude?

The words conviction and certitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 certitude And in thinking about it, it should be said with certitude that those who feel fortunate enough to own bitcoin (and surely many feel this way) don’t really own money or a coin. John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 In an era when people with platforms tend to be obsessed with their own certitude, facts be damned, this is a breath of fresh air. Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024 The point of the game is to take satisfaction in killing with moral certitude. G Kirilloff, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 To me, Cardinal Lawrence gives a beautiful speech at the beginning of the film, talking about the evil of certitude and the moral preciousness of doubt. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • When the only certainty was uncertainty, Elissa vowed to live.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Clarity, not certainty, enables more conscious and courageous leadership.
    Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Farré has now offered those assurances, while admitting the recent exec upheaval has been emotional for everyone.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Murphy was formerly global head of conservation assurance at IUCN, managing director at FSC Global Development and vice president at JP Morgan.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Want to boost your confidence, income and career success?
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 19 May 2025
  • Of all the intangibles in sports, confidence is the one that comes and goes.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Gutierrez was one of three people charged in Hutchins’ death on the movie set south of Santa Fe, N.M., but the only one who received a felony conviction.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
  • Weir was confused by the man’s unusual conviction, though.
    Louise Erdrich, New Yorker, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

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