sure 1 of 2

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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
Those won't filter the air for you, but they sure as hell will protect your noggin in the event of a crash. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 22 July 2025 Products That Fit the Bill The surest ways to get a safe mattress are to stick with reputable domestic brands and consider an organic mattress. Julia Forbes, Wired News, 22 July 2025
Adverb
And sure, your patio furniture set is important, but a little decor goes a long way to make an outdoor space more personal and cozy. Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025 Roman Anthony, the hot kid for the Red Sox, sure is fun to watch. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • Blackburn is confident the state will boost warning systems soon, but said that turning the tide on land use regulations could take years.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Yet, 60% aren't confident in their organization’s data-AI readiness to enable this outcome.
    Jesse Todd, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Their primary tool is a controversial and seldom used move to flee the state and break the quorum necessary to proceed in the legislative session.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 30 July 2025
  • No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, he's displayed reliable hands and a crisp release, looking the part throughout individual drills.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2025
  • We’re buoyed by recent news that Gov. Hochul has directed the New York Power Authority to build a zero-emission nuclear power plant, and is clear-eyed about how a lack of reliable, affordable power will jeopardize the pro-business climate her administration has been working to foster.
    Linda Baran, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This rings especially true for me, a vegetarian for nearly two decades.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
  • This was certainly true of the Mets last summer when Taylor played his way into the lineup more consistently than Harrison Bader.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • To date, there is no conclusive evidence that tattoos cause skin cancer; however, researchers are investigating whether there could be a link.
    Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 July 2025
  • According to a comprehensive account by David Makovsky in The New Yorker, the agents extracted conclusive evidence from Othman’s computer: Syria was secretly building a plutonium reactor, Al Kibar, with help from North Korea.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Adverb
  • That’s not to say the 128 GB option is definitely gone—perhaps these will be available only through the Google Store, region-locked, or as network exclusives.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Baby Basco) — is definitely my favorite act in town right now.
    Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 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
  • A number of Republicans that represent states with rural communities -- such as Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mike Rounds of South Dakota -- have expressed concerns about cuts to public broadcasting that could affect the ability of certain communities to access emergency alerts.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • High tariff rates will lead to ‘inevitable’ price increases Logistics experts tell CNBC that even with the new tariff deals being announced, such as Japan and the EU at 15%, the rates should still be considered high.
    Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 31 July 2025
  • Anyone who believes the American entrance into WWII was easy and inevitable will be shocked to hear that the path was difficult and paved with spies, lies, and coercion.
    AudioFile Magazine July 31, Literary Hub, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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