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as in reliable
not likely to fail a sure cure for the winter blues—a week in the Bahamas

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sure

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sure contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sure are certain, cocksure, and positive. While all these words mean "having no doubt or uncertainty," sure usually stresses the subjective or intuitive feeling of assurance.

felt sure that I had forgotten something

When is certain a more appropriate choice than sure?

In some situations, the words certain and sure are roughly equivalent. However, certain may apply to a basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable evidence.

police are certain about the cause of the fire

When would cocksure be a good substitute for sure?

The words cocksure and sure can be used in similar contexts, but cocksure implies presumptuous or careless positiveness.

you're always so cocksure about everything

Where would positive be a reasonable alternative to sure?

The synonyms positive and sure are sometimes interchangeable, but positive intensifies sureness or certainty and may imply opinionated conviction or forceful expression of it.

I'm positive that's the person I saw

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 sure
Adjective
Going into the conversation, Alicia wasn’t sure how Amelia would respond. Jordan Greene, People.com, 11 July 2025 At the time, some county officials weren't sure about the change. Maia Rosenfeld, ABC News, 10 July 2025
Adverb
So sure, if Elon Musk wants to use his resources to do that, great. Nbc News, NBC news, 8 June 2025 But a few more seven-inning starts sure would make a difference. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • In fact, of the 98% of HR professionals surveyed by Capterra who plan to use software and algorithms to reduce labor costs, only half are confident that the technology will make unbiased recommendations.
    C200, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • But whether the team would be confident elevating an interim replacement the way the Nats did with assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is not known.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Of course the private sector can price assets correctly of its own accord, and if riskless securities are necessary for this purpose, the private sector can produce them.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Eduardo Cavaliere, Rio’s vice mayor, said in an interview that the rules were necessary to impose some order to a sometimes chaotic scene.
    Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Best Buy Here's proof that reliable tracking doesn't have to be expensive.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • The stable coherence properties of neutral atoms facilitate the reliable extraction and preservation of atomic imprints.
    Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • With things that were true but couldn’t be readily seen or felt, like silence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • The same's true for someone who is retired and taking taxable withdrawals from traditional 401(k) plans.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • First, as Paul points out, laboratory tests may not be conclusive or may appear normal, even when the patient is clearly experiencing abnormal symptoms.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025
  • Replay seemed to show LeMahieu getting in under Sánchez’s tag, but a lack of conclusive evidence led to the original call being upheld after a review.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
Adverb
  • The report is out via Bloomberg, and while a number of these are not likely to shock you, there are definitely some interesting surprises to be found.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The color blocking on the hips definitely gives it a flattering shape.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Keep in mind that buckwheat can cause allergic reactions in certain people (especially in Asian countries), particularly if eaten frequently or in large amounts.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • However, Flow Space may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Jessica Hartshorn, Flow Space, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • When the conditions for change are met, the outcome is inevitable.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • If the predictions that the BBB will spur growth and raise tax revenues do not happen, tax increases may be inevitable.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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