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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
  • But negative feelings are running high across all sectors; the most confident sector in April was construction, and that was down nearly 4 points from January.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Sounding relaxed and confident, Arnault kicked off a 30-minute conversation with high praise for Chiuri, whose engaging narratives, graceful designs and merchandising prowess quadrupled the size of Dior, according to HSBC estimates.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing of the sort is necessary for Barkov, whose reputation as the best two-way center in the league (at least based on Selke voting) is deserved.
    The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • More than 60% of homeowners in both areas are willing to forgo customization of their new homes if financial compromises are necessary.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Embrace tools that highlight alternate components that match form, fit and function, and offer reliable alternatives based on factors like cost, inventory, country of origin and lifecycle status.
    Steve Flagg, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Its toll is seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, though Israel has challenged its numbers.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The formula for ‘true tackles’ is slightly more long-winded: tackles + challenges lost + fouls committed.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • But these mitigation efforts are, at best, half-measures, not true adaptation.
    Edmund Zagorin, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • While another research review published this year in Nutrients says the research for athletic benefits in women isn’t yet conclusive, there are also reasons to suspect women may benefit from creatine at least as much as men, if not more, both inside and outside the gym, Dr. Smith-Ryan says.
    Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025
  • Though home blood pressure monitors are effective, a healthcare provider can provide more accurate and conclusive results.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 May 2025
Adverb
  • That’s definitely on that same river of where those players are coming from.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
  • The smoot framerate, excellent resolution, variety of play styles, amount of content, and new game modes definitely place this in the top tier of third-party games available.
    David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The court also ordered the Trump administration to remove the tariffs within 10 days, including a 25% tariff on certain goods from Canada and Mexico.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Seven days after the murders, Johnson & Johnson received an extortion letter threatening that more people would be poisoned if certain demands were not met.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Set Up Systems and Support to Meet Expectations Change is inevitable.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • The four-walled hideaway sets up quickly to help campers escape the bloodthirsty swarm of mosquitoes, biting midges and other gnawing pests that can be an inevitable part of an outdoor stay.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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