Definition of certitudenext

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 The Constitution protects a pluralistic society from the dangers of centralized authority and ideological certitude. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025 The face, more squarely adult now, has a certitude in the jaw and an impatience in the eyes. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025 Both also blamed those who were not responsible, traded in the language of contagions and moral certitude, and believed that controlling the medium could solve the problem — or, at the very least, not deepen the problem further. Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 To those worried about an unchecked secularism, Dobson was a powerful agitator for his version of moral certitude and fundamentalist faith. Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for certitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for certitude
Noun
  • Rousseau asked in his closing, referring to testimony from Detective Jerry Cedillo on his certainty that Bell-Johnson was one of the shooters.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated February 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
  • And in this vacuum of scientific certainty, inaccurate beliefs thrive.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is also a federal class-action lawsuit filed by former members that accuses Gateway and Robert Morris of failing to honor promises to give 15% of donations to global missions and misleading congregants with assurances of refunds.
    Giles Hudson, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Advocates in the South Bay say the timing of ongoing sweeps raises red flags — regardless of official assurances that the Super Bowl is not a factor.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Hardware enthusiasm While there are doubts about the software industry, Wall Street has resounding confidence that hardware companies are AI winners.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Uncertainty is the absence of confidence and, right now, a lack of confidence is overriding the reality that many of these companies are going to be just fine.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Many maintained contact with him even after his conviction in 2008 for soliciting a prostitute and procuring a child for prostitution in Florida.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • During more than 21 years of incarceration on death row at Idaho’s maximum security prison south of Boise, Hall repeatedly appealed his convictions in state and federal court.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Certitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/certitude. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on certitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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