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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of uncertainty But Chevron is also facing uncertainty, with its blockbuster acquisition of Hess caught up in a dispute with Exxon over Hess assets in Guyana. —

Ben Geman, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025 After roughly five months of uncertainty, Alex Bregman reportedly has found his next destination. —

Ryan Morik, Fox News, 13 Feb. 2025 Ad survey Away from tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainty, Meta’s Reels is solidifying itself as the top choice for short-form advertising, outpacing both YouTube Shorts and TikTok. —

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 Furthermore, players may be left with a sense of uncertainty, especially when a franchise's biggest star is traded away in the dead of night. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty

Noun

Total theaters booked are 4,100 including all premium large format screens and Imax, no doubt.

— Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025
Liev Schreiber had his doubts about his role in The Perfect Couple.

— Esther Kang, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025