sure

Examples

• All

• "It's about trying to make sure that the work we do has broader relevance," he says.

  Academic text (2011)

• But how do we make sure it goes well once they arrive?

  Academic text (2012)

• But it's up to all of us to make sure that we have good news to share.

  Academic text (2011)

• The student must check each time to make sure that he or she is still meeting the goal.

  Academic text (2015)

• Make sure your team is recording this.

  Harmony (2022)

• However, this gives staff the incentive to work hard and to make sure funds are used wisely.

  Academic text (2011)

• I counted boxes of cut crystal to make sure that Brant had received the full order.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Where can locals go and be sure they won't be threatened or attacked for their perceived identity?

  Academic text (2011)

• Despite the difficulties, officials say tourists are sure to get a warm welcome in Georgia.

• It's her birthday, so I'm sure we'll do something small for it.

Synonyms

C

certain

vssure

286 1.0

Sure to happen or be true

is the more general everyday word used for the same idea

A

assured

vssure

79 3.6

Certain to continue in the future

is general certainty and does not imply a personal guarantee or confidence

U

undeniable

vssure

51 4.2

So clear that people cannot doubt it

is used for confidence that may not be immediately obvious

I

indisputable

vssure

21 5.7

You cannot doubt it because it is clearly true

is a more general term for certainty not always backed by clear evidence

I

indubitable

vssure

• Formal

1 8.7

Completely certain and clearly true

is a common way to say confidence without claiming absolute proof

Antonyms

U

uncertain

145 2.8

Not known for sure and likely to change

I

improbable

51 4.9

Not likely to happen or be true

D

doubtful

14 3.0

Not sure about something and not ready to believe it

Idioms

F

for sure

• Informal

949 2.0

Without any doubt

S

sure enough

89 2.7

Shows that something happens exactly as expected

T

to be sure

77 4.9

Admitting something is true before you say something else

S

sure as shit

• Offensive

24 9.9

You can be certain it is true

S

sure as shooting

• Informal

1 8.2

Completely certain that something will happen

S

sure as sugar

• Informal

1 8.8

Certain to happen without any doubt

S

sure as eggs

• Archaic

1 9.9

Says that something will definitely happen or is true

S

sure as the world

• Informal

1 9.1

Certain to happen

A

absotively sure

• Informal

1 9.8

Completely certain that something is true

Compounds

S

sure thing

53 2.4

Something that is certain to happen or succeed

S

sure-fire

13 4.4

Certain to work and bring success

S

sure-enough

• Informal

2 8.1

Clearly real and not fake to show you really mean it

P

positutely sure

• Informal

9.8

Completely certain that something is true

S

Sure Start Maternity Grant

• UK

5.8

A one-time payment from the UK government to help with baby costs for parents who meet certain rules

How Certain

inevitable

318 4.6

sure

283 1.0

likely

∞ 1.0

possible

∞ 1.0

doubtful

54 3.0

Surface Forms

Etymology