UNCERTAIN Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

uncertain

adjective

ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn

Definition of uncertain

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly the stifling heat would occasionally be relieved by an uncertain breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something never uncertain of her political beliefs or judgment, she was a decisive and fearless leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 uncertain The trend reflects a collective desire for community and belonging in an increasingly uncertain world. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 July 2026 But this year, moody new albums from artists including Gen Z singer-songwriters Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and Lizzy McAlpine suggest a seasonal shift befitting of our own uncertain reality. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 Shoulder repairs can be tricky so Collins’ timeline is uncertain but the 49ers are high on him after a strong rookie year. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 In the face of an uncertain job market, higher expenses due to inflation, and fewer entry-level opportunities, Americans are increasingly turning to trade schools instead of pursuing a four-year degree. — Jessica Bryant, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain

Adjective

The South Korean benchmark now hovers at around 6,700, having experienced volatile swings due to the heavy dependence on heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 24 July 2026
As a politician of some experience, she is presumably unfazed by the sorts of challenges that come with governing a volatile section of her volatile country.

— Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Definition of volatile

Adjective

Funding fights, shifting eligibility rules and abrupt program cuts have played out simultaneously at the federal level, leaving many organizations unsure what the ground will look like from one quarter to the next.

— Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
At a time when many of their peers are unsure of what's next, the students are happy their skills are in demand.

— Andrea Hsu, NPR, 21 July 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

These maps account for a range of variables, including cargo-shipping routes, surface currents, wind patterns, and the unpredictable drift of objects at sea.

— Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Much of Crown Center is indoors or covered, which is a big plus for when weather becomes unpredictable.

— Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

People can and should be skeptical about the sonnets written about starting NFL quarterbacks every offseason, when no one is getting sacked and almost everyone looks good.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
After clear signs that a judge was skeptical of its defense, Paramount decided to agree to go to trial and not to close the deal before June 1, 2027, or a favorable ruling, whichever comes first.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.

— San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2023
Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.

— Jordan Kisner Jack Davison, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2022

Definition of changeful

Adjective

Some of them felt betrayed by Platner himself, while others don’t believe the accusations against him, find the timing suspicious or think there was more to the story.

— Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Glen Powell is hitting the field once again — and this time, people are suspicious.

— Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

This change is motivated by companies requiring ongoing, real-time decisions due to unstable supply chains and high customer expectations.

— Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Too often, Chelsea appeared vulnerable, ill-disciplined and unstable at the back, lacking composure and physicality.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the suspicious death of a 66-year-old woman after she was taken to a local hospital with injuries that appeared inconsistent with a natural death, the agency announced Friday.

— Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
As a tool, the AQI is inconsistent overall—its forecasts can be slow and imprecise, and its particulars don’t always have a bearing on direct experience.

— Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026