Synonym Chooser

How does the noun uncertainty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of uncertainty are doubt, dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, and suspicion. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

When could doubt be used to replace uncertainty?

The words doubt and uncertainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

Where would dubiety be a reasonable alternative to uncertainty?

Although the words dubiety and uncertainty have much in common, dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When might mistrust be a better fit than uncertainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to uncertainty, mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When would skepticism be a good substitute for uncertainty?

While the synonyms skepticism and uncertainty are close in meaning, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

In what contexts can suspicion take the place of uncertainty?

The synonyms suspicion and uncertainty are sometimes interchangeable, but suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

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 uncertainty So even though there does not appear to be a shortage of anti-retroviral drugs in Kenya at this time, there is tremendous uncertainty, the source says. Viola Kosome, NPR, 1 June 2025 How can individuals mentally prepare for the uncertainty of an active hurricane season? Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025 The Trump administration has threatened China with triple-digit tariffs, and there's some uncertainty in the region over how committed the U.S. is to the defense of Taiwan, which also faces possible 32% American tariffs. David Rising, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025 With economic uncertainties looming, marketers must embrace a mindset of doing more with less. Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
Noun
  • But there was never any doubt in their intent: put a creative, Midwest spin on country music.
    Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025
  • As for the future, there is no doubt that if peace can be achieved, many billions of dollars will have to be spent before Ukraine can again supply its economy and people with the energy needed for a fully functioning state.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • However, optimism has since given way to skepticism, as a series of policy missteps and economic headwinds have made Bessent’s goal seem increasingly unattainable.
    Dan Irvine, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Polis’s office had signaled skepticism to the bill throughout the session.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • At a time when Cold War tensions heightened curiosity and suspicion about all things Soviet, American consumers flocked to the new vodka as an edgy, exotic choice—drinking vodka became simultaneously an act of defiance and fascination.
    Time, Time, 4 June 2025
  • Instead, this suspicion about the trailer tells a more interesting and deeper story about the relationship between marketing and proof in media.
    Callum Booth, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!