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
And after overseeing one of the most chaotic seasons in franchise history, following prior actions in the front office that included the dismissals of Kyle Dubas and then Brendan Shanahan, Pelley and an ownership group in transition haven’t earned the benefit of the doubt.
—
Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Freeling — given the investment made in him — should receive the benefit of the doubt in that competition, despite his inexperience.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
And now the benefit of the doubt has been taken away.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Emotionally secure people generously give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Freeling — given the investment made in him — should receive the benefit of the doubt in that competition, despite his inexperience.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
And now the benefit of the doubt has been taken away.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Emotionally secure people generously give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 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 12 May. 2026.
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