UNCERTAINTY Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

uncertainty

noun

ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē

Definition of uncertainty next

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

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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

Examples 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 Heading to the airport, the group is a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what lies ahead. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024 The challenge doesn't stop there, as the sun will clash with your celestial ruler, Neptune, on the 18th, triggering feelings of confusion and uncertainty. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 The company is exposed to risks and uncertainties, including geopolitical instability and market disruptions, which could impact its ability to complete a business combination. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024 Along with the buzz of celebration, a hum of uncertainty hung in the air. —

David Oliver, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty

Noun

But experts have expressed doubts on Moscow's ability or willingness to dedicate the resources necessary to save Assad amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
This is the music that carried us through break ups and mean girls, micro aggressions and self doubt, but also lifted us through mile 24 of a marathon and bachelorette weekends, slumber parties and carpool lines.

Laura Trujillo, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024