unsure

adjective

ˌən-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce unsure (audio)
Definition of unsurenext
as in skeptical
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something unsure of her ability to handle the pressure of competing in the Olympic Games

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unsure The debate playing out in Kausen’s kitchen is repeated in homes across California and the country, where varying phrases on food packaging have long left shoppers unsure whether food is simply past its peak quality or unsafe to eat. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 That culminated in their goal, when England seemed unsure of DR Congo’s shape and who was supposed to be picking up Cipenga at the far post. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Allegheny County is facing a major financial crisis that leaders are unsure how to address. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Franchises are unsure about the future of their investments and facilities, with no clear plan in place. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsure
  1. skeptical
  2. suspicious
  3. uncertain
  4. doubtful
Adjective
  • Deeply skeptical of his diplomatic attempts with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could view the president’s comments as an opening to continue operations both in Lebanon, against Hezbollah, or in Iran itself.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • As recently as last year, the bank’s executives were skeptical that ventures known for such voracious capital spending would be able to sustain their business models.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • Nile finds himself in a cat-and-mouse dynamic with his new neighbor (Claire Danes), an author in search of her next book subject who is suspicious of his innocence.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • But by playing coy about next steps, Hamas has given observers and critics plenty of reasons to be suspicious about this latest development.
    — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 8 July 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Supporters suggest these approaches could offer alternative financing structures, while critics note that long-term performance and adoption remain uncertain.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • The more proactive, in contrast, would try to steer government R&D toward promising but uncertain conservation experiments.
    — Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Definition of uncertain
Adjective
  • Small Wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both doubtful due to injury, and Tino Livramento is out of the tournament entirely.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of doubtful

Browse Nearby Words

unsupported
unsure
unsurpassable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsure. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on unsure

Nglish: Translation of unsure for Spanish Speakers

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