Synonyms of uncertainty

uncertainty

noun

ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē 

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something

uncertainty about her job prospects has her worried

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• distrust
• disbelief
• concern
• mistrust
• incertitude
• misgiving
• dubiety
• reservation
• distrustfulness
• query
• dubitation
• anxiety
• misdoubt
• mistrustfulness
• incredulity
• paranoia
• unbelief
• wariness
• tremor
• qualm
• compunction
• scruple
• niggle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confidence
• belief
• trust
• certainty
• conviction
• assurance
• surety
• faith
• certitude
• sureness
• credence

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

Recent Examples of uncertainty

The only uncertainty was whether the state would request the death penalty, which hinged on its estimation of courtroom sympathy. —E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Geopolitical uncertainty has also been higher in January, which typically causes investors to flock to safe-haven assets like gold to protect their portfolio (the price of silver has also been surging). —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 Jan. 2026

Still, uncertainty, bewilderment, and fear were palpable. —Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026

The California Association of Realtors also predicts that, as economic uncertainty fades and rates begin to decline more steadily, the housing market should improve throughout 2026. —Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026