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
Families in some regions are still uncertain whether or when their full benefits will resume.
—
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
With that law’s future uncertain, states like New York and Colorado have passed their own versions to protect minority voters.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Sanders moved into the backup role after Flacco’s departure, and following a back injury that kept him out of the team’s Week 8 game, his status was uncertain heading into this week.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The activist has a pending political asylum case and an appeal under review, but her status remains uncertain after recent policy changes.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
With that law’s future uncertain, states like New York and Colorado have passed their own versions to protect minority voters.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Sanders moved into the backup role after Flacco’s departure, and following a back injury that kept him out of the team’s Week 8 game, his status was uncertain heading into this week.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
The activist has a pending political asylum case and an appeal under review, but her status remains uncertain after recent policy changes.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for uncertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain
Adjective
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Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
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Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Ballard said his clients in the country at the time were unsure of what to do in the immediate aftermath of Maduro's capture.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
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Maduro’s supporters gathered throughout the city, many bearing arms, but seemed unsure of what to do next.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Jan. 2026
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The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Pamela Assid Woughter,
Verywell Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While Pyongyang has conducted a series of hypersonic tests in recent years, many foreign experts remain skeptical that the weapons have achieved the necessary speed and maneuverability.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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Braeden Johnson is also skeptical as a taxpayer, but is happy as a Kansas resident to see the team move across the state line.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
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The committee has called on state officials to testify in closed-door, transcribed interviews, while requesting suspicious activity reports from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, along with a staff-level briefing from the Justice Department.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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When the publication of his article is followed by the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg, Lee follows a trail of breadcrumbs to find out the truth.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On Monday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center reported that the recent storm was beginning to wind down, but warned that avalanche risks remained elevated due to strong winds and unstable snow.—
Daniel Hunt
January 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
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The last two drafts are starting to come together, specifically the 2023 group, to form a foundation that can keep the need for relying on the unstable free-agent market to a slightly lower level.—
Paul Dehner Jr,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The company says the system aims to tackle persistent challenges in the hospitality industry, including labor shortages, inconsistent drink quality, and long service times.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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In some cases, CBS News ran images through AI detection tools, which can be inconsistent or inaccurate but can still help flag possibly manipulated content.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Uncertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertain. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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