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 analysts are willing to give WB the benefit of the doubt… at least for now. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

Given their history, no one should give Regan or SEIU-UHW the benefit of the doubt. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026

McDonagh has earned the benefit of the doubt, but even his brand has to be reactivated. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026

Neither should lose the benefit of the doubt to Notre Dame in a comparison of close resumes because the Badgers and Spartans were supposed to be good. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for the benefit of the doubt

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout