dubious

dubious

adjective

Definition of DUBIOUS

1

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged <any letter bearing the signature of Geronimo would be of dubious authenticity, to say the least>

Synonyms debatable, disputable, dodgy [chiefly British], doubtable, dubious, dubitable, equivocal, fishy, problematic (also problematical), queer, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious

Related Words alleged, so-called, supposed; moot; ambiguous, open, unclear; uncertain, undecided, undetermined; far-fetched, flimsy, improbable, unlikely, weak

Near Antonyms decisive, definitive; clear, obvious, open-and-shut, positive

Antonyms certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable

2

slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty <I'm dubious about our plan to go hang gliding without having had any training>

Synonyms cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, indisposed, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent

Related Words uneager, unenthusiastic; averse, unwilling; ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly (also wabbly); fainthearted, shy, timid

Near Antonyms eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen; ready, willing; certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioning

Antonyms disposed, inclined

3

not likely to be true or to occur <made the dubious claim of being of royal blood>

Synonyms doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, flimsy, questionable, unapt, unlikely

Related Words implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable; absurd, bizarre, crazy, fantastic (also fantastical), foolish, insane, nonsensical, odd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unreal, wild; outside, remote, slight

Near Antonyms believable, conceivable, credible, earthly, imaginable, plausible; possible, potential; liable

Antonyms likely, probable

4

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something <dubious about a diet that claims I can eat all I want and still lose weight>

Synonyms distrustful, dubious, hinky [slang], mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, trustless, uncertain, unconvinced, undecided, unsettled, unsure

Related Words ambivalent, conflicted, equivocal; diffident, insecure; halting, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, vacillating, wavering

Near Antonyms assured, confident, sanguine, self-assured; decisive, determined, resolute

Antonyms certain, convinced, positive, sure