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
Regarding Nike’s involvement in the experiments, Sey gives the company the benefit of the doubt, with questions remaining whether the funding decision was made by the company or its separate non-profit Nike Foundation.
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Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Veen, as a 2020 first-round pick, will get the benefit of the doubt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
The Buccaneers get the benefit of the doubt after four straight division titles, but cornerback Benjamin Morrison and his two hip surgeries in the second round are a risk, too.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Counsell seems to want to give Brown the benefit of the doubt for now.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Veen, as a 2020 first-round pick, will get the benefit of the doubt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
The Buccaneers get the benefit of the doubt after four straight division titles, but cornerback Benjamin Morrison and his two hip surgeries in the second round are a risk, too.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Counsell seems to want to give Brown the benefit of the doubt for now.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 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 23 May. 2025.
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