2
: of a specific but unspecified character, quantity, or degree
the house has a certain charm
3
a
: dependable, reliable
a certain remedy for the disease
b
: known or proved to be true : indisputable
it is certain that we exist
4
a
: inevitable
the certain advance of age
b
: incapable of failing : destined
—used with a following infinitive
she is certain to do well
5
: assured in mind or action
I am certain they are right
Examples of certain in a Sentence
Adjective
I'm fairly certain that I'll be on time.
a certain person told me that today is your birthday
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Starting in 2014, Florida universities provided in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students under certain conditions.
—Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
This would allow operators to fly drones outside their field of view under certain conditions.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for certain
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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
Starting in 2014, Florida universities provided in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students under certain conditions.
—Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
This would allow operators to fly drones outside their field of view under certain conditions.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for certain
Cite this Entry
“Certain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certain. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
certain
1 of 2 adjective
cer·tain
ˈsərt-ᵊn 
1
: fixed sense 1b
receive a certain share of the profits
2
: not to be doubted : known to be true
it is certain that diamonds are hard
3
: known but not named
a certain person told me
5
a
: sure to happen : bound to occur : inevitable
defeat was certain
b
: decided in advance by or as if by fate
the plan was certain to succeed
6
: assured in mind or action
feel certain they will come
certain
2 of 2 pronoun
: certain ones
certain of them attended
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