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 Again, get cracking to file, even if the IRS furloughs are triggering more uncertainty in how government services will be handled as the federal government shutdown drags on. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025 As trade and political uncertainty lingers, the dollar index, which measures the dollar against foreign currencies such as the pound sterling, the euro and the yen, has declined about 9% this year. Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Oct. 2025 Entering the post-Assad era The fall of Assad and his goverment in December 2024 suddenly injected a new dose of uncertainty into Israel-Syria relations. Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Each film captures the instant when the past catches up or a small act of courage changes everything, reminding us that even in heartbreak or uncertainty, connection can still find its way through. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for uncertainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertainty
Noun
  • And though there’s no doubt the Panthers don’t bring the same television audience as the Toronto Maple Leafs or the New York Rangers or even the rebuilding Blackhawks, the buzz in South Florida is very real.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Kind and generous fellows were no doubt among the British soldiers killed at Bunker Hill.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Approaching all interactions with an underlying skepticism can assist older adults in asking questions, slowing down and seeking assistance.
    Madhusree Mukerjee, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Yet one venture capital firm is testing that skepticism — and drawing attention while doing so.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • But when faced with temptation, players driven by curiosity, suspicion, and revenge make dramatic choices to survive to the end.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uncertainty. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on uncertainty

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