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
Closer Bryan Abreu stumbled but has earned the benefit of the doubt with the dominance he’s displayed.
—
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Customers who trust your payment processes are more likely to expand contracts, provide referrals and give you the benefit of the doubt during negotiations.
—Brandon Spear, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Unlike Blackshear, Etienne is probably going to receive the benefit of the doubt as a rookie draft pick.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2025
But others argue Kemp has earned the benefit of the doubt.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Customers who trust your payment processes are more likely to expand contracts, provide referrals and give you the benefit of the doubt during negotiations.
—Brandon Spear, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Unlike Blackshear, Etienne is probably going to receive the benefit of the doubt as a rookie draft pick.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2025
But others argue Kemp has earned the benefit of the doubt.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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