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
People who claim to be going to or from work or out for a legitimate errand or business are given the benefit of the doubt, according to the sheriff's office.
—
Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Jan. 2026
Give others the benefit of the doubt!
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
The Lions earned the benefit of the doubt to run it back a year ago.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Back then, the Court might plausibly have given law enforcement the benefit of the doubt.
—Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Jan. 2026
Give others the benefit of the doubt!
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
The Lions earned the benefit of the doubt to run it back a year ago.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Back then, the Court might plausibly have given law enforcement the benefit of the doubt.
—Paul Rosenzweig, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
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 31 Jan. 2026.
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