uncertainty

noun

ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē How to pronounce uncertainty (audio)
Definition of uncertaintynext
as in doubt
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something uncertainty about her job prospects has her worried

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun uncertainty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uncertainty are doubt, dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, and suspicion. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

When could doubt be used to replace uncertainty?

The words doubt and uncertainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

Where would dubiety be a reasonable alternative to uncertainty?

Although the words dubiety and uncertainty have much in common, dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When might mistrust be a better fit than uncertainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to uncertainty, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When would skepticism be a good substitute for uncertainty?

While the synonyms skepticism and uncertainty are close in meaning, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

In what contexts can suspicion take the place of uncertainty?

The synonyms suspicion and uncertainty are sometimes interchangeable, but suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

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 uncertainty But with so much uncertainty hanging over consumer brands and over consumer spending right now, Prime Day 2025 feels like the most unpredictable Prime Day ever. —Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 8 July 2025 Despite the downturn and uncertainty about the future, linear networks continue to throw off significant cash with a sheer tonnage of content that continues to support the overall ecosystem. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 July 2025 The benchmark made fresh record highs last week, with stocks climbing out of their April lows in spite of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 7 July 2025 But the bigger question, in this time of great uncertainty and unexplored gray area, may be what the new president’s tolerance for pushing the envelope will be. —Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
  1. doubt
  2. skepticism
  3. suspicion
Noun
  • There is no doubt that Bayern is going to make another offer for the Liverpool forward.
    — Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Had there been surveillance video, there is little doubt that things would have turned out differently for those innocent boys.
    — Robert Chiarito, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • The lack of trust and growing skepticism about Netanyahu’s intentions are reflected in the dwindling public approval among Israelis.
    — Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Many in Trump's cabinet have previously expressed concern over the implications of an overly strong dollar, and skepticism regarding its status as the world's reserve currency.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • That new regime’s anti-Western stance put it on a path to conflict with the United States and Israel, and created their long-standing suspicion that Iran’s nuclear program was not purely civilian, as Tehran claimed, but also involved clandestine efforts to develop weapons.
    — Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • Dexter stalks his next victim (Marc Menchaca) — a killer who targets ride-share drivers — while the ghost of his father Harry (James Remar) urges him to be careful, and a fidgety Harrison tries to evade police suspicions.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of suspicion

Browse Nearby Words

uncertainties
uncertainty
unchain
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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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