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 Fifty-five percent of manufacturers in the state said cost increases have been the biggest impact and 32% reported that uncertainty or an inability to plan was the biggest impact. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025 This uncertainty opened space for personalities to shape the outcome. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 This uncertainty is expected to weigh on the industry for at least the next seven months, with workers bearing the consequences. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 Arizona’s backfield has uncertainty, but Carter has the potential to be this week’s Kenneth Gainwell. Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
Noun
  • The Star card is asking you to let go of doubts and instead focus on what aligns most with your goals.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
  • With dark brown fur and adorable, squeezable paws, there's no doubt your little one will adore this stuffy.
    De Elizabeth, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Among customers and in financial markets, skepticism is rising as some question whether the massive investment in AI will ever be justified by revenues.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement But Blair’s potential role in Gaza has also drawn deep concern among critics, and raised skepticism over how well the proposal will go over with Hamas.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While Hern was not accused of causing his wife's death, court records show that authorities had suspicions to the contrary.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • More than any other change, this one act cemented Twitter’s new identity as a right-wing media platform that acted as an extension of Musk’s own political beliefs, paranoid suspicions, midnight musings and personal interests.
    Jacob Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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