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 recent exit of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has added a layer of uncertainty to Verstappen's future with the team, despite his contract lasting until the end of 2028. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Too, both auction and fair sales in the sector have been soft this year, as the art world contends with tariffs, economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting tastes and buying patterns. —News Desk, Artforum, 18 July 2025 The biggest uncertainty in this scenario would be whether or not voters would support it. —ABC News, 18 July 2025 With so many issues still up in the air, though — including the missing permits and the uncertainty around what capacity the ground can open at — Barca have not been able to start any ticket sales for matches. —Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 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
  • The primary reason Solomon cited for his doubts is that the meteorites formed much earlier than the best estimates for the ages of rocks now on Mercury’s surface.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Still, Zandi voiced skepticism about the staying power of the tax payments.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 July 2025
  • While skepticism surrounding the nature of Epstein’s death largely transcended ideological lines, Democrats were more willing to dismiss such claims as conspiratorial than their Republican colleagues.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 July 2025
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • Brad confirms Sophie’s suspicions, at which point Sophie confronts Margo.
    — Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • Their suspicions persist despite the Department of Justice releasing a memo July 7 that tried to close the book on the Epstein saga.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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