sure 1 of 2

adjective

ˈshu̇r How to pronounce sure (audio)
Definition of surenext
1
as in confident
having or showing a mind free from doubt are you absolutely sure that she said she was coming today?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in necessary
impossible to avoid or evade the joke's a sure dud if you don't pause in the right places

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in true
worthy of one's trust a sister is a sure friend for life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in conclusive
not capable of being challenged or proved wrong no sure evidence that life exists on other planets

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sure

2 of 2

adverb

as in definitely
without any question we sure could use your help here

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
Just a frustrating night for sure for me. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026 There were trees and bushes, sure, but in some cases there were concrete walkways going … nowhere. —Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Pink sure knows how to make a glitzy entrance. —Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026 He sure got stabbed a lot in the back! —Max Gao, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sure
  1. confident
  2. necessary
  3. reliable
  4. true
  5. conclusive
  6. definitely
  7. certain
  8. inevitable
Adjective
  • The data center race looks like a powerful force to drive more investment into the nation’s energy system, and Wall Street types are confident there’s no shortage of capital poised to pour in.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The Sabres are confident after making a remarkable turnaround from last in the East in early December to first place by going 39-9-4.
    — John Wawrow, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of confident
Adjective
  • The Nevada Irrigation District says the increases are necessary to fix aging infrastructure while keeping up with rising costs.
    — Conor McGill, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • Ellie Roebuck Hasn’t been capped since 2023 but back in the WSL with Aston Villa and back in Wiegman’s squad as a reliable reserve ‘keeper.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The genre hit its stride in the late-’90s and early-2000s, as the formula became a reliable commercial play.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of reliable
Adjective
  • Biscuits, waffles, pancakes and eggs — basically, all your breakfast dreams come true — plus classic diner lunches and home-style dinner staples are coming up fast at a James Beard Award semifinalist’s new restaurant in where Plaza Midwood and Plaza Shamrock meet.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That’s true, said one former counterterrorism official with direct knowledge of the intelligence involved, but there was more to the story.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • As in the less conclusive first season, it feels engineered to deliver the characters to happy, or relatively happy, endings, and to send viewers out not regretting their investment of time.
    — Robert Lloyd, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
  • As in the less conclusive first season, it feels engineered to deliver the characters to happy, or relatively happy, endings, and to send viewers out not regretting their investment of time.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of conclusive
Adverb
  • The new project highlights their natural chemistry and clear affinity for the So Much Fun era—the kids are definitely still alright.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
  • There’s definitely a raw spirit that the UK brings that feels very specific to us.
    — Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of definitely
Adjective
  • That’s part of the lip-smacking quality of it all — the idea that certain movie characters deserve to have their limbs bitten off.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Due to an increase in passenger volume, parking availability may be at or near capacity at certain times throughout the day.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of certain
Adjective
  • Yet, at the same time, relentless convenience (or being sold the idea of relentless convenience) warps the brain in ways that make nostalgic cravings somewhat inevitable.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • How war became inevitable Yet Netanyahu shows no concern for how Israel’s excesses are fueling antisemitism in what has been Israel’s only dependable ally.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of inevitable

Phrases Containing sure

Browse Nearby Words

surd
sure
sure-enough
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Cite this Entry

“Sure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/sure. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sure

Nglish: Translation of sure for Spanish Speakers

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