1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of uncertain
Whether Timmy will survive is still uncertain, but some experts hope the story will inspire people to do more to protect whales.
—
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
The process of choosing a new mineral deposit is inherently an uncertain one, but ongoing regional activity reflects regional opportunity.
—William Jones, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Changes still uncertain Potential cuts are being weighed in the district due to a year-to-year funding gap caused, in part, by the state’s underfunding of special education.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Despite the win, the family says the situation remains uncertain.
—Chelsea Jones, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
The process of choosing a new mineral deposit is inherently an uncertain one, but ongoing regional activity reflects regional opportunity.
—William Jones, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Changes still uncertain Potential cuts are being weighed in the district due to a year-to-year funding gap caused, in part, by the state’s underfunding of special education.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
Despite the win, the family says the situation remains uncertain.
—Chelsea Jones, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain
Adjective
-
Following Maduro’s capture, Venezuela has entered a volatile and highly managed political transition, one shaped as much by Washington as by internal dynamics.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
-
By contrast, the Republican plan relies on one-off gimmicks and volatile funding schemes that don’t last.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Confused and unsure what to do, a BSO deputy told him his only option was to try to rebook with another airline and hope to make it in time for his daughter’s communion.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
-
Thirty-five percent of unsure voters ticked that box, with 33% of young voters doing so.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Known for his unpredictable, edgy behavior and fiery personality, Gritty has expanded the traditional boundaries of what a sports team mascot can be or do.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Special legislative sessions are unpredictable, and people on both sides say the Florida fight is far from over, with mistrust of the medical establishment still running high after the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Kerry Sheridan,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Alireza Nader, an Iranian independent analyst based in Washington, is skeptical that economic pressure alone will force a strategic breaking point.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which claimed some 300,000 lives, Chardy set out to confirm first-hand whether such a high toll was possible in response to an editor’s skeptical questions, said Jacqueline Charles, the Herald’s longtime Haiti and Caribbean correspondent.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
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
Adjective
-
Charmed at first, Nella soon becomes confused and suspicious of her alleged ally as their approaches to racial bias and diversity begin to sharply diverge and the story, told through a past and present timeline, unravels with unexpected twists.—
Laura Zigman,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
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Los Angeles police evacuated Terminal 2 at LAX on Friday night amid an investigation into a suspicious item.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, unstable molecules that cause cell damage.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
1 May 2026
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Some critics argue that the clean energy transition simply trades one dependency for another, shifting reliance from fossil fuels controlled by unstable actors to supply chains heavily concentrated in China.—
Jennifer Granholm,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
New York outscored Atlanta by roughly 20 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor — yet minutes were inconsistent.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Clegg was Plascencia’s understudy and the favorite to win the job this season, but was inconsistent throughout the spring.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertain. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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