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 Others doubt that the recent Treasury market calm will last if the economy shows more signs of acceleration. — WSJ, 4 June 2021 Some experts doubt herd immunity will be achievable for Covid-19, perhaps ever, due to vaccine hesitancy, emerging virus variants and a delay rolling vaccines out to children. — Robert Hart, Forbes, 28 May 2021 The Biden administration wants to get 70% of adult Americans vaccinated by July 4, but has acknowledged the downward trend in vaccinations and the challenge to win over people who doubt the vaccine’s effectiveness or simply don’t want to get shots. — Heather Hollingsworth And Todd Richmond, Anchorage Daily News, 9 May 2021 The Biden administration wants to get 70% of adult Americans vaccinated by July 4, but has acknowledged the downward trend in vaccinations and the challenge to win over people who doubt the vaccine's effectiveness or simply don't want to get shots. — Heather Hollingsworth And Todd Richmond, Star Tribune, 8 May 2021 Yet, despite its mountains of documents and trove of testimony, there are some in this country who still doubt the official story. — Philip Elliott, Time, 20 Apr. 2021 One doesn’t exactly fear for characters’ lives or doubt that both cases will be solved. — Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2021 Education officials doubt that a state mandate to lock up federal funding for the next three years will help schools spend money wisely. — Emily Donaldson, Dallas News, 19 May 2021 Now, however, some royal experts doubt that trip will actually happen after all. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, 1 May 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun There's no doubt that the Aerospace and Defense industry is strategic to the global economy. — Mohamed Fawzy, Forbes, 17 June 2021 There is no doubt that there's a fracture in the family of former Michigan players. — David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, 16 June 2021 There is no doubt that writer Andre De Toth, better known for his film noir scripts, had Johnny Ringo in mind as the model for his protagonist. — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 June 2021 There was never any doubt that Jack would join the family business. — Cheryl Hall, Dallas News, 13 June 2021 Alison Steele: There is no doubt in our minds what happened. — Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 June 2021 There is no doubt in his mind that a city initiative to streamline permitting for outdoor dining has saved his business. — BostonGlobe.com, 11 June 2021 There is no doubt who had the top performance in all the state meets, as Floriea was the star of the show, winning four individual events and leading Mentor to its first girls team state title. — Joe Magill, cleveland, 10 June 2021 There is no doubt that his main specialty is getting horses ready to join the Kentucky Derby trail. — John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2021

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.