Synonym Chooser

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 Gold prices jumped to a over two-month peak on Tuesday, supported by a weaker dollar and as markets flocked to the safe-haven asset as uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's potential tariffs continued to loom. Anjana Anil, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 Amid this uncertainty, many brands are turning to alternative social commerce platforms. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 Despite years of uncertainty and denials from Syria's government, Debra Tice maintains her son is alive. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 Until then, the uncertainty and anxiety will remain intense. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
Noun
  • While there have already been glimpses of this in the past with former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry, there's no doubt fans will see more of this, especially heading into the Royal Rumble.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Ben Davies is in contention to return for Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Everton on Sunday, but Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma are injury doubts.
    Jay Harris, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This meteoric rise has sparked debates, excitement, and skepticism across the crypto ecosystem.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Trump's nominee for Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, suggested peace negotiations could happen within 100 days, but skepticism remains high among European allies.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Privy to his suspicions and intentions is a mysterious gardener who seems to come out of nowhere with myriad solutions to our hero’s problems.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025
  • After analyzing the videos, the team confirmed their suspicions: When one chimp started peeing, others quickly followed suit.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near uncertainty

Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

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