doubt

verb

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\ ˈdau̇t

doubted; doubting; doubts

Definition of doubt

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to call into question the truth of : to be uncertain or in doubt about He doubts everyone's word.

2a : to lack confidence in : distrust … find myself doubting him even when I know that he is honest …— H. L. Mencken

b : to consider unlikely I doubt if I can go.

3 archaic

a : fear … I doubt I have been beguiled!— Sir Walter Scott

b : suspect

intransitive verb

: to be uncertain

doubt

noun

plural doubts

Definition of doubt (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a lack of confidence : distrust has doubts about his abilities

b : an inclination not to believe or accept a claim met with doubt

2a : uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making

b : a deliberate suspension of judgment

3 : a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense The outcome is still in doubt.

no doubt

: doubtless entry 1

Other Words from doubt Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about doubt

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Other Words from doubt

Verb

doubtable \ ˈdau̇-tə-bəl

\ adjective

doubter noun

doubtingly \ ˈdau̇-tiŋ-lē

\ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for doubt

Noun

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust 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 doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision. plagued by doubts as to what to do dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions. felt some dubiety about its practicality skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence. an economic forecast greeted with skepticism suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone. regarded the stranger with suspicion mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion. had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of doubt in a Sentence

Verb I have always doubted the existence of life on other planets. No one doubts that the mission will be a success. I seriously doubt my parents will let me go. “Do you think you can come tonight?” “I doubt it.” She doubted his ability to succeed. He said he could do it, but I couldn't help doubting him. Noun I still have moments of doubt. There can be little doubt that smoking is bad for your health. I had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb But public health experts doubt Iraq is anywhere close. — New York Times, "Iraqis Flout Virus Precautions Amid Belief in Immunity: ‘I Live the Lifestyle of 2019’," 20 Jan. 2021 Never doubt where their loyalties lie — not now, not ever. — BostonGlobe.com, "A sorry spectacle we all knew was coming," 6 Jan. 2021 Some officials doubt that the differences on fishing will ultimately prevent a deal. — Laurence Norman, WSJ, "Brexit Negotiations Inch Forward—With One Key Obstacle," 16 Dec. 2020 Despite the pace, outside experts doubt that the U.K. has cut any corners in terms of safety. — Nsikan Akpan, Science, "WHO set to approve a COVID-19 vaccine by end of 2020—increasing hopes for equitable access," 4 Dec. 2020 Some doubt that the president-elect will make investment in high-speed rail a priority. — Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times, "Will ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden bail out California’s troubled bullet train? Don’t bet on it," 17 Nov. 2020 Either way, experts doubt the suits can reverse the outcome in a single state, let alone the election. — Anchorage Daily News, "Few legal victories so far as Trump team hunts for proof of fraud," 12 Nov. 2020 Experts doubt that Pence actually has the ability to disrupt the Electoral College certification process, which will take place during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. — Daniel Chaitin, Washington Examiner, "Trump lawyer floats unproven Pence scenario to disrupt Electoral College count," 4 Jan. 2021 Both Bayer and Reiter doubt any staff members reported the call to law enforcement. — Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan lawmaker blasts FBI after staffer questioned about tear gas bill," 4 Jan. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun No one, other than dedicated partisans, will grant them the benefit of the doubt as to their intentions and ethics. — Alex Pareene, The New Republic, "This Might Be a Good Time for Democrats in Congress to Stop Trading Stocks," 30 Jan. 2021 Sutton points out the law gives landlords the benefit of the doubt in claiming damages. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "Special report: Lawmaker’s firm squeezes thousands from renters months after evictions," 21 Jan. 2021 These lawmakers' denials of basic scientific facts range from delicate expressions of doubt to preposterous claims of conspiracy. — Paul Douglas, Star Tribune, "Weekend Snowfall Potential Increases with 3-5" and Icy Roads," 20 Jan. 2021 Olympic team coach Dave Salo, who previously trained Keller, gave the disgraced medalist the benefit of the doubt. — Naledi Ushe, PEOPLE.com, "Klete Keller's Friends and Ex-Wife React to His Participation in Capitol Riots," 15 Jan. 2021 The concern is that the provisions of the CAA will be used as a pretext to demand higher standards of proof of citizenship from Muslims, whereas those from other religions will be granted the benefit of doubt. — Suvrat Raju, Scientific American, "Scientists Weigh In on India's Citizenship Debate," 15 Jan. 2021 The outgoing president's two-month-long campaign to sow the seeds of doubt in Georgia's election system and overturn the results have thrown the Republican campaigns into chaos. — Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner, "Trump, Biden hit Georgia ahead of runoffs, after president's call to Raffensperger emerges," 4 Jan. 2021 But Ohio State gets the benefit of the doubt by being Ohio State, by recruiting like Ohio State and by drawing interest in the playoff like Ohio State. — Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Ohio State under pressure to prove it belongs in Playoff semifinal," 31 Dec. 2020 Because, in truth, this is not just about the delineation of it all, but rather the way large platform media groups are willing to give a white suicide bomber the benefit of the doubt where Black and brown people are not afforded the same. — Danielle Campoamor, refinery29.com, "Why Is There Any Hesitation To Call Anthony Quinn Warner A Suicide Bomber?," 29 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'doubt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.