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
But equally important is to give the offender the benefit of the doubt.
—
Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
None of this is enough to withhold the benefit of the doubt from the bulls for now, of course.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
The body of work here earns the benefit of the doubt, though, as Denver still ranks seventh in the league in rushing offense.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Bisciotti values stability and consistency and has given Harbaugh the benefit of the doubt when the team was decimated by injuries.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
None of this is enough to withhold the benefit of the doubt from the bulls for now, of course.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025
The body of work here earns the benefit of the doubt, though, as Denver still ranks seventh in the league in rushing offense.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
Bisciotti values stability and consistency and has given Harbaugh the benefit of the doubt when the team was decimated by injuries.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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 Nov. 2025.
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