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
In October 2022, Fox and Pollan chatted with PEOPLE about the secret to their long-lasting love: giving each other the benefit of the doubt.
—
Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 July 2025
For now, the benefit of the doubt should be the approach.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Goalkeepers are often given the benefit of the doubt in such situations because of the nature of their role.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 6 July 2025
For now, investors seem willing to give Musk the benefit of the doubt with the stock still trading over 110 times next year’s consensus earnings estimate of $2.83 per share—a multiple reserved for only a select few high growth stocks like Palantir.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 3 July 2025
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Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 July 2025
For now, the benefit of the doubt should be the approach.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Goalkeepers are often given the benefit of the doubt in such situations because of the nature of their role.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 6 July 2025
For now, investors seem willing to give Musk the benefit of the doubt with the stock still trading over 110 times next year’s consensus earnings estimate of $2.83 per share—a multiple reserved for only a select few high growth stocks like Palantir.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 3 July 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 26 Jul. 2025.
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