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 People leaders must navigate organizational shifts and guide their teams through uncertainty. —

Chelsea C. Williams, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign has thrust the country into political uncertainty. —

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025 There was an undeniable parallel between the atmospheric murk and her own uncertainty about the future. —

Grace Edquist, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025 That uncertainty has grown in recent months as President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks have targeted the project as a waste of federal funding and U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R- Rocklin) has introduced legislation to defund it. —

Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty

Noun

There’s a lot to like about the room, but the highlight, without a doubt, is a sitting area overlooking the garden that doubles as the best seat for the Noh stage.

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2025
Without a doubt, the 3-time Olympic medalist is back and better than ever.

Caroline Price, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025