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 But now that a TV timeout of sorts has been called, and one of uncertain duration, the pressure is off. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 The memo was sent to the entire volunteer corps at the center as its future remains uncertain. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026 Jacob Tanswell The futures of Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi are uncertain but the club want to keep both beyond this summer. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Given the current uncertain state of US foreign policy, that list could change in the future. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain

Adjective

Inflation remains volatile in many countries, reflecting varied conditions in markets around the world.

— John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Beyond the oil and gas industry, major banks including JPMorgan are making record profits during the ongoing war thanks to heavy trading volumes as investors rush to dump volatile assets or buy the dip.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 30 July 2026

Definition of volatile

Adjective

The Open Worldwide Application Security Project describes a use-after-free as when a program accesses heap memory after it’s been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior or exploits.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Even while navigating a challenging economic landscape—marked by fluctuating input costs, unpredictable weather and shifting market dynamics—growers are choosing to formalize and voluntarily provide data on their sustainability practices.

— SJ Studio, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

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

Federal agents in plainclothes flagged Taele on Saturday after deeming his activities at the golf course suspicious, the department said in a statement.

— Hannah Knowles, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
Disconnect the device from the internet, run a full antivirus or anti-malware scan and delete any suspicious downloads.

— Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

Also screening is Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur, another feature from Cannes, following a successful company director called Gleb, who finds himself under siege from mounting corporate pressures and an increasingly unstable world.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
Federal prosecutors said the men exploited three girls who had run away from foster care, taking advantage of their ages, unstable living situations and lack of family support.

— Eric Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

However, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor's inconsistent play, marked by a costly interception, raised concerns.

— Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Similar reports have emerged in Germany and Switzerland, where local media reported that secondhand booksellers received unusual bulk orders for highly specialized books that appeared inconsistent with traditional collecting or resale.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 31 July 2026