How to Use in doubt in a Sentence

in doubt

idiom
  • When in doubt, take a pass and watch from the sideline.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2024
  • Still, that drought came with the result no longer in doubt.
    Ryan Black, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2023
  • But now the cars are off, and there’s nothing, not even the outcome of the race, left in doubt.
    David Hill, Rolling Stone, 14 Jan. 2024
  • Erice’s own love of the movies has never been in doubt, even when the movies haven’t loved him back.
    Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2024
  • When in doubt, take a breather and rethink your long-term plans.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2024
  • When in doubt, store the item flat instead of on a hanger.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 July 2024
  • When in doubt, take a page out of Heather Hilliard’s design book.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 30 July 2024
  • As the rebels gain ground and the junta reels, the country’s future is in doubt.
    Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
  • When in doubt: The gray bin is for garbage, the blue bin is for recycling.
    Cynthia Sewell, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2024
  • The merits of the assault are less in doubt than a week ago when it was first launched.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 13 Aug. 2024
  • The best rule to remember: When in doubt, throw it out.
    Chantelle Lee, TIME, 21 May 2024
  • If in doubt, check in with the host on what is expected.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
  • When in doubt, a sleek black-and-white pairing always does the trick.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Still, the survival of the grasshopper sparrow is in doubt.
    Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 17 July 2023
  • When in doubt, the best thing to do is consult your doctor.
    Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Mar. 2023
  • When in doubt, do your own thing and forego sharing your plans.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2024
  • But as Detwiler puts it: When in doubt, just throw it out.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 13 Feb. 2024
  • The show was a reminder that, when in doubt, give a classic look your own twist.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 3 Oct. 2023
  • More in doubt is whether the playoff workload will prove to be too much for him.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • When in doubt, just nod, smile, raise a friendly finger, and kallupe on down the road.
    Rebecca Rule, BostonGlobe.com, 19 July 2023
  • Do not attempt your own taste test — when in doubt, throw it out!
    Susan Choung, Good Housekeeping, 25 Apr. 2023
  • Roberts was the only justice whose vote seemed in doubt.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • When in doubt, use clear. Q: Can trout see fishing line?
    Jerry Audet, Field & Stream, 3 May 2023
  • Biden's campaign was in a free fall over the past few weeks with his future in doubt.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024
  • The Clippers stayed put in the No. 8 spot but winning the game was in doubt until the last second.
    Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
  • While the game was still in doubt in the first half, St. Michael faked a pair of punts and went for it on two other fourth-down plays.
    Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, 25 Aug. 2023
  • When in doubt, check the ingredient list or look for the whole grain stamp.
    Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023
  • Style it with a pop of red or pare back to pale blue—and when in doubt, opt for accessories.
    Libby Page, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
  • And when in doubt about what Mother's Day activities are best, don't be afraid to simply ask.
    Laura Broadwell, Parents, 1 May 2025
  • When in doubt or unfamiliar territory, the safe bet is always to stick with dry.
    Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in doubt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: