1
: in a sure manner:
a
archaic
: without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely
b(1)
: with assurance : confidently
answered quickly and surely
(2)
: without doubt : certainly
They will surely be heard from in the future.—
R. J. Lifton
R. J. Lifton
Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide
Sure and surely are both used as simple intensives. Sure is informal and typically used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with.
She sure knew how to make me laugh.
That sure was fun.
Surely can occur in formal contexts and is used whether or not agreement is expected.
Surely you jest.
It is often applied when someone is making an effort to persuade.
a book surely worth anyone's time
Examples of surely in a Sentence
She answered quickly and surely.
He will surely be missed.
This is surely the best dessert you have ever made.
Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.
Recent Examples on the Web
Of all the Catholic rituals of Holy Week—the Palm Sunday procession; the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Holy Thursday; the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday—surely the most striking is the washing of the feet.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
Any second, surely, Dad’s tan Mercedes would glide into view and start its rumbling, lumbering ascent up the gravel drive.
—Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Aside from defensive backs, Miami could surely use an infusion of edge rushers, wide receivers and offensive linemen with early picks in this month’s draft.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surely
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Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
How Guthrie will specifically handle her moment cannot yet be known, but those who know her (that The Hollywood Reporter spoke with) say it will surely be done with uncommon levels of grace and professionalism.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
Any second, surely, Dad’s tan Mercedes would glide into view and start its rumbling, lumbering ascent up the gravel drive.
—Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026
Aside from defensive backs, Miami could surely use an infusion of edge rushers, wide receivers and offensive linemen with early picks in this month’s draft.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for surely
Cite this Entry
“Surely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surely. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
surely
adverb
sure·ly
ˈshu̇(ə)r-lē 
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