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 Trump has attempted to revive Keystone XL, signing a presidential permit in April, but the project’s future is uncertain. — Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 This emotional payoff is uncertain in every other literary genre. — Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's uncertain standing with Washington. — Steve Sedgwick, CNBC, 9 July 2026 Thanks to the new rail project, a journey that once meant an uncertain day on mountain roads takes only a few hours. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain

Adjective

Gen Z has experienced inflation, volatile markets and economic uncertainty before many even began their careers.

— Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Advertisement Even after the war ends, experts expect military spending to rise, driven by an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

— Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026

Definition of volatile

Adjective

Giblin is unsure what will happen to the pavilion when the church takes over.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Both playing with the same goal in mind, still unsure if there will be a Heat future for one, both or neither, after the two finished this past season on the Heat roster, Keels on a two-way deal, Young on a standard contract.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

Al Khafaji’s nay-sayers weren’t wrong to be skeptical about the construction space.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Despite their differing opinions on Oppenheimer, everyone in the studio was jazzed to see what Nolan had made (though Hannah was a little skeptical of Matt Damon as Odysseus).

— Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 14 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

Review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.

— Brian Sloan,Dan Avery, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Some doubt whether the model can survive here, let alone be exported to countries that are larger, less homogeneous and more suspicious of taxation.

— Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination.

— Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026
Rhaenyra, queen of the Blacks, seizes the Iron Throne in King’s Landing with the support of Alicent, who has simply had enough of her unstable and terrible sons.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

Brought in to be Plum’s partner in the backcourt, Atkins has had an inconsistent offensive season, with career-low scoring and shooting numbers.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The Longhorns were inconsistent last season, finishing 10th in the SEC before ending with an impressive NCAA tournament performance.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026