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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
But knowing for sure that Kris got a facelift or that Kylie has breast implants can’t and won’t resolve the feelings of resentment so many of us have toward them for their impact on how we’re expected to present ourselves. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 June 2025 Essentially, astronomers need more observations to say for sure what will ensue in the stars billions of years from now. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025
Adverb
And if anybody thinks things get easier now that the Celtics have been booted all the way to next season must have missed what the Pacers just did to the Cavaliers, whose regular season sure was better than Boston’s. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 Beach vacations are a blast, but the expenses sure stack up fast. Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • Brother Rice coach Sean McBride felt confident giving Sheehan the ball.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
  • Currently, the scientist can't be totally confident that these spikes are connected to supernovas.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • But policy continuity is key to attracting the foreign investment necessary to realize these goals.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
  • Of course, stepping in is sometimes necessary, especially depending on one's life or career stage.
    Ujjwal Ramtekkar, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The entire production throughput is becoming faster and more reliable.
    Pradeep Govindasamy, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Advertisement To put all that in context, recall that Black voters are the most reliable members of the Democratic coalition and the Black Church is the only reason these numbers aren’t even worse.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Hoang said the online allegations — none of which were true — led to threats of violence against the university, and there was talk that some parents withdrew their children because of them.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s little conclusive evidence yet that creatine boosts cognition.
    Staff Author Published, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025
  • While some research in animals and human cells suggests glyphosate may cause DNA damage and atrazine could mess with hormones, there isn’t currently any conclusive evidence of harm in people based on how we’re being exposed (including in relation to cumulative risk).
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 June 2025
Adverb
  • Cornstarch is especially crucial for baked meringues in hot and humid areas, and the American South is most definitely that, to say the least.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • There are definitely different applicable statutes, depending on the form of community association.
    Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2025
  • While certain details in specific scenes were modified and some dialogue subtly shifted to enhance the story, the new version follows the original plot’s three-act structure to a tee.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • This trend is inevitable, driven by the enormous potential underneath AI and blockchain’s synergistic benefits.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • While the timing of Trump’s parade and Charles’ Trooping the Color birthday celebration may be a coincidence, the comparisons are inevitable, with the U.S. president likewise using a military event to assert his role as head of state, as Vanity Fair writer Erin Vanderhoof said.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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