UNCERTAIN Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

uncertain

adjective

ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn

Definition of uncertain

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly the stifling heat would occasionally be relieved by an uncertain breeze

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something never uncertain of her political beliefs or judgment, she was a decisive and fearless leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 uncertain Although inflation is a central part of modern cosmology, the physics that drove it remains uncertain. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 Anthropic is seeking to list as soon as November, potentially at a valuation of up to $2 trillion, although that figure remains uncertain. — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 Each week, Scanlon will sit down with guests who have something to teach us about how to build a meaningful career in this uncertain moment, from economists to journalists, farmers to comedians. — Vox Communications, Vox, 20 Oct. 2026 In its uncertain tonality and zany humor that falls flat, that’s the Waititi film that Klara and the Sun most resembles. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for uncertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for uncertain

Adjective

Instead, the name of the game is to create pockets of stability in an inherently volatile business.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Targeting a smaller raise could protect a higher valuation, but might trigger skepticism over how the AI firm will fund its massive infrastructure needs in a volatile bond market.

— Justin Zacks, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of volatile

Adjective

The Salt Lake County clerk requests assistance to secure the polls, but the sheriff, unsure about jurisdiction, declines.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
The equipment truck had left spring training in Tempe, Arizona, and was in Salt Lake City, unsure where to go, when Selig called traveling secretary Tommy Ferguson, who had held the same job with the Braves.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

Holy Cross and the Lower Ninth Ward that borders it are known for their quiet ambiance, grocery store deserts, and drawbridge access with unpredictable hours.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Frost leaves orchard with few apples to harvest The unpredictable weather has forced the farm to adjust to get through the season.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of unpredictable

Adjective

Progressives like Melat Kiros have signaled their votes for Jeffries might be up for grabs unless their leadership embraces more left-leaning policies, but most Democrats are skeptical about major defections.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Gabriel, however, is more skeptical, arguing that infrastructure carries the incentives of the model that built it, making a brand with less influence likely to struggle to resist a parent company oriented around speed, efficiency, and growth.

— Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

Rigorous, blustery winter; winding sleety spring; hot, moist enervating summer; changeful autumn with its dog-days; these are absolutely unknown.

— San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2023
Hers is the kind of face that inspires directors to tight framing — gleaming, as if smoothed from marble, and yet somehow pliant, changeful.

— Jordan Kisner Jack Davison, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2022

Definition of changeful

Adjective

The authentication process combines human expertise and AI integration to flag any suspicious activity and ensure that listings follow commercial industry standards.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
What readers are saying The comments discuss a case involving a person who sent letters containing a suspicious substance, with many commenters criticizing the individual's intelligence for including his return address.

— Violet Jira, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

Water essentially acts as a catalyst that spontaneously creates particles known as hydroxyl radicals, unstable molecules linked to aging and disease.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
If a tree appears diseased, unstable or at risk of falling, consider documenting the problem and notifying the owner in writing.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of unstable

Adjective

This time around, both teams are coming in after inconsistent regular seasons, but both have been much better over the last five weeks.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The association with the Human Rights Campaign could create more confusion about Talarico’s stance on the medical issue, as his position has come into question through his inconsistent comments.

— Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026