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Definition of surenext
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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
Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
But the Dodgers’ offense could sure use a hitter like Shohei Ohtani right now. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026 And sure, its lifetime sales can't match the might of Nintendo's greatest, but there's hunger from a smaller community for more. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
Adjective
  • Bader felt confident in creating a collection that would cater to Show Me Your Mumu's shoppers as well as her followers.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Just being more confident in my choice of what is funny and what’s not.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
  • These measures are primary requirements to obtain certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Labor that ensures the education and training necessary to guarantee safety in workplaces.
    Sarah Moreno May 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Name what works, define one agreement, and build from something that feels stable and reliable.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • As markets continue to adjust, gold coins are expected to maintain their position as a reliable store of value.
    Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 1st House of Identity, bringing focus back to what’s true for you.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While that’s still true, some of these rising players are feeling the pain of fickle production, too.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And yes, the replay should be conclusive.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • While there is little conclusive, specific data on the relationship between mortality and long-term medication treatment, studies show that, in general, longer treatment durations yield better outcomes.
    Lev Facher, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Netflix is definitely still hungry for its first Best Picture win, and Gerwig has not been the type to show any aversion to awards campaigns.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2026
  • The Idea of You (2024) Ah, yes, the recent streaming hit that cast Annie as a single mom who falls in love with a young Über-famous pop star who is definitely not named Schmarry Schmiles.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Regulations require certain size hallways, for example, and heavy robotic equipment may need extra floor support and special elevators.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • Recent polling suggests that roughly 30% of young Americans hold the view that political violence can be justified in certain circumstances.
    Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • What once felt inevitable now feels improbable.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
  • Such a reaction seemed inevitable to Depop’s global brand strategy director, Harriet Lowson.
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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