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 Even with those uncertainties, Ditiu says estimating how cuts could stoke an increase in TB cases and deaths is crucial for helping countries plan. Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 11 Sep. 2025 The effects extend across the AI ecosystem, creating both opportunity and uncertainty for investors. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Still, Pick said he's seen the headwinds coming through and believes the policy uncertainty may be narrowing slightly. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025 Amid the regulatory uncertainty, some pharmacies have said that access to the shots may vary state-by-state and may require a prescription. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
Noun
  • From the outside, Laura could be loving, protective, overbearing, even intrusive — while Cherry sows doubt for hiding pieces of her past despite ostensibly adoring her new beau.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Basically, slap on a pair of gloves or leave the washing to someone else if ever there is a doubt.
    Audrey Bruno, SELF, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Many of the amendments are likely to spark infighting among Republicans as the party battles over whether to become more isolationist in the face of skepticism about assisting foreign countries.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham landed with both excitement and skepticism.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Laura visits Cherry’s mom, Tracey (Karen Henthorn), in hopes of getting Tracey to confirm her suspicions in a recorded conversation.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But in reality, deepfakes are getting better and the threat industry has many years of experience in honing lures to trick people, playing on emotions and overcoming natural suspicions and objections.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

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