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
There is a warmer, almost vulnerable quality to the day, encouraging everything from forgiveness and compassion to the willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Given its track record, Alphabet has earned the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 2 June 2026
The offensive line is being rebuilt after losing four starters, but Mario Cristobal and position coach Alex Mirabal deserve the benefit of the doubt.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Sugar is sweetly naive, but never dumb; her falling for the act can be taken as a sign of her big-heartedness, her willingness to suspend suspicion in favor of extending the benefit of the doubt.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Given its track record, Alphabet has earned the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 2 June 2026
The offensive line is being rebuilt after losing four starters, but Mario Cristobal and position coach Alex Mirabal deserve the benefit of the doubt.
—Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Sugar is sweetly naive, but never dumb; her falling for the act can be taken as a sign of her big-heartedness, her willingness to suspend suspicion in favor of extending the benefit of the doubt.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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