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
Will Notre Dame get the benefit of the doubt a team like Indiana, Ole Miss or Iowa State might not?
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David Ubben, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The margin for error is certainly not gone, and KC has earned the benefit of the doubt.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
That’s no surprise to many, because a player of Trout’s stature gets the benefit of the doubt from umpires.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
So, no, the Broncos don't get the benefit of the doubt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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David Ubben, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The margin for error is certainly not gone, and KC has earned the benefit of the doubt.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
That’s no surprise to many, because a player of Trout’s stature gets the benefit of the doubt from umpires.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025
So, no, the Broncos don't get the benefit of the doubt.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2025.
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