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 The natural chaos of life can make uncertainty feel even worse, Dr. Gallagher says. —Korin Miller, SELF, 14 Apr. 2025 There are concerns about a weakening dollar because of – because of all of this uncertainty. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2025 Even before the tariffs announcement on Wednesday, the stock market and consumer confidence have dipped over the uncertainty. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2025 As of Thursday at 3 pm Eastern, RH stock had fallen nearly 40%, rattled by the uncertainty of Trump’s tariffs and last year’s poor performance. —Julie Goldenberg, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
  1. doubt
  2. skepticism
  3. suspicion
Noun
  • On Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the families of two girls who had died from measles in West Texas—and raised doubts about the safety of vaccines.
    — Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the Supreme Court’s conservatives have cast doubts about the precedent in recent years.
    — Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • At least one House Republican earlier this month expressed skepticism about limiting the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions, according to Politico.
    — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Iran, while expressing skepticism, has agreed to participate in the talks, emphasizing a willingness to engage despite Washington's confrontational tone.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • An aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is out on leave and ushered out of the Pentagon for suspicion of leaking.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know According to the DHS summary, officers noted eight other individuals in the vehicle and no visible luggage, prompting suspicions of human trafficking.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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