surely

adverb

sure·ly | \ ˈshu̇r-lē

, ˈshər-, especially Southern ˈshȯr-\

Definition of surely

1 : in a sure manner:

a archaic : without danger or risk of injury or loss : safely

b(1) : with assurance : confidently answered quickly and surely

(2) : without doubt : certainly they will surely be heard from in the future— R. J. Lifton

2 : indeed, really —often used as an intensive you surely don't believe that

Synonyms Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide Example Sentences Learn More about surely

Keep scrolling for more

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Most commentators consider the adverb sure to be something less than completely standard; surely is usually recommended as a substitute. Our current evidence shows, however, that sure and surely have become differentiated in use. Sure is used in much more informal contexts than surely. It is used as a simple intensive I can never know how much I bored her, but, be certain, she sure amused me — Norman Mailer and, because it connotes strong affirmation, it is used when the speaker or writer expects to be agreed with. it's a moot point whether politicians are less venal than in Twain's day. But they're sure as the devil more intrusive — Alan Abelson he sure gets them to play — D. S. Looney Surely, like sure, is used as a simple intensive I surely don't want to leave the impression that I had an unhappy childhood — E. C. Welsh but it occurs in more formal contexts than sure. Unlike sure it may be used neutrally—the reader or hearer may or may not agree it would surely be possible, within a few years, to program a computer to construct a grammar — Noam Chomsky and it is often used when the writer is trying to persuade. surely a book on the avant-garde cannot be so conventional — Karl Shapiro

Examples of surely in a Sentence

She answered quickly and surely. He will surely be missed. This is surely the best dessert you have ever made. Surely you must admit that it was a good decision.

Recent Examples on the Web

Medvedev put forth a gutsy, heroic effort that will surely be celebrated for years to come. — Kevin Craft, The Atlantic, "Rafael Nadal Takes Another Step Toward Tennis History," 9 Sep. 2019 While these opportunities are good news for Leslie, SNL fans will surely miss seeing her on Weekend Update this fall taking jabs at her co-star Colin Jost. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Here's the Actual Reason Why Leslie Jones Is Leaving 'SNL' in 2019 After 5 Seasons," 3 Sep. 2019 While Gibbons has surely had hotter nights with the guitar, this was still a fine showcase for the chemistry that’s been cultivated within this threesome over the decades. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, "ZZ Top has State Fair crowd rocking, but Cheap Trick isn’t as exciting," 2 Sep. 2019 Any bets that legal gambling will flourish in China must surely have long odds. — The Economist, "The Chinese state manages the world’s second-biggest lottery industry," 29 Aug. 2019 The latest installment will surely have plenty more twists and turns. — Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, ""13 Reasons Why" Season 3 Recapped and the Questions We Have for Season 4," 29 Aug. 2019 That has not happened, so surely Black and pitching coaches Steve Foster and Darren Holmes have to shoulder some of the blame. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Rockies’ starting pitching — a disaster this season — looks bad again next year," 25 Aug. 2019 Gauff will surely have the crowd on her side in her first U.S. Open. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Eight American tennis players who have shot at upset in U.S. Open. And they're not Serena.," 22 Aug. 2019 With the school year just around the corner, a 12-year-old Ohio boy will surely have the best item to bring for show-and-tell: an ancient woolly mammoth tooth. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, "Boy, 12, Finds Woolly Mammoth Tooth at Family Reunion in Ohio," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'surely.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for surely

surely

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of surely

: in a confident way

: without a doubt

—used in negative statements to show surprise that something could be true

See the full definition for surely in the English Language Learners Dictionary

surely

adverb

sure·ly | \ ˈshu̇r-lē

Kids Definition of surely

1 : without doubt It's a book you will surely enjoy.

2 : beyond question : really I surely do miss them.

3 : with confidence : confidently He answered their questions surely.

Keep scrolling for more

surely

Definition of surely

Synonyms for surely

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Examples of surely in a Sentence

First Known Use of surely

English Language Learners Definition of surely

Kids Definition of surely

surely

Definition of surely

Synonyms for surely

Sure vs. Surely: Usage Guide

Examples of surely in a Sentence

First Known Use of surely

English Language Learners Definition of surely

Kids Definition of surely

WORD OF THE DAY