the benefit of the doubt
noun phrase
: the state of accepting something/someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts
He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now.
Examples of the benefit of the doubt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So when your best leaders are being falsely accused or unfairly targeted, give them the benefit of the doubt and have their back.
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Brenda Abdilla, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
But broadly, their reactions so far can be divided into three categories: those critical of Trump’s tariffs, those confused by them but willing to give the president the benefit of the doubt, and those who are sidestepping the topic entirely.
—Christian Paz, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
While most Republican lawmakers have urged Americans to give Trump the benefit of the doubt on the economy, even some of his most ardent financial industry supporters are expressing alarm.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Berube’s Stanley Cup ring gives him the benefit of the doubt, but his team ranks 27th in shot-attempt rate since Jan. 1 and their style of play deserves some scrutiny.
—Nick Ashbourne, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
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Brenda Abdilla, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
But broadly, their reactions so far can be divided into three categories: those critical of Trump’s tariffs, those confused by them but willing to give the president the benefit of the doubt, and those who are sidestepping the topic entirely.
—Christian Paz, Vox, 14 Apr. 2025
While most Republican lawmakers have urged Americans to give Trump the benefit of the doubt on the economy, even some of his most ardent financial industry supporters are expressing alarm.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Berube’s Stanley Cup ring gives him the benefit of the doubt, but his team ranks 27th in shot-attempt rate since Jan. 1 and their style of play deserves some scrutiny.
—Nick Ashbourne, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
Cite this Entry
“The benefit of the doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20benefit%20of%20the%20doubt. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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