1
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
he was doubtful about the decision to complete the project despite its mounting problems
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
the election results were highly doubtful, so an investigation was begun
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
our winning the championship increasingly looks like a doubtful outcome
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in disputable
open to question or dispute
a doubtful claim to the property
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of doubtful
As for erasing aging altogether, Hinton is doubtful.
—
Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Most are doubtful peace is near While more than two-thirds of Ukrainians desire a settlement, about the same share believe this goal will not be achieved in the near term.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Trump’s ability to unilaterally scrap the team's deal for a new stadium to return to the RFK site appears doubtful after Congress passed a law in December that transferred ownership of the RFK stadium site from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Even though Zuckerberg has snatched some of his AI workers, Altman is doubtful that his competitor will be able to replicate the same success of OpenAI.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Most are doubtful peace is near While more than two-thirds of Ukrainians desire a settlement, about the same share believe this goal will not be achieved in the near term.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025
Trump’s ability to unilaterally scrap the team's deal for a new stadium to return to the RFK site appears doubtful after Congress passed a law in December that transferred ownership of the RFK stadium site from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia.
—Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Even though Zuckerberg has snatched some of his AI workers, Altman is doubtful that his competitor will be able to replicate the same success of OpenAI.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
-
Mizzou entered the contest unsure of its full-time starter between transfer Beau Pribula and returning backup Sam Horn.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Chronic wasting disease has not been found to infect people, and scientists are unsure of whether people can be infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — although some research indicates a potential risk, possibly by consuming meat from an infected animal.—
Connor Giffin,
The Courier-Journal,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Merrill’s status for this weekend’s rematch with the Dodgers is questionable, at best.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
-
The Dolphins have versatility among their backups, but the quality of their backups remains questionable.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Such retirees will not have to file for bankruptcy protection to shield their future practice income, and there is unlikely to be more than a single creditor so as to forestall an involuntary bankruptcy filing.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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Neal Rubin won his last two elections, for student body vice president in high school and student senate in college, and is unlikely to press his luck now.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Courts across the country are increasingly skeptical of enforcing arbitration provisions, specifically in California and its neighboring states.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Marilyn Gooch was already skeptical about one of her newest neighbors, xAI’s supercomputing facility, when her cousin walked across the street in June with a blue mailer from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.—
Wendi C. Thomas,
ProPublica,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
And also highly unlikely, given Trump’s ambivalence and dubious European resolve.—
Andy Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Literary adaptations are usually a dubious prospect.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Gordon’s red card was debatable if probably justified, but referee Simon Hooper had joined Liverpool in providing a suitable antagonist for the evening, so Newcastle rallied.—
Harry De Cosemo,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The body of a missing 15-year-old boy was discovered this week at a Detroit cemetery under suspicious circumstances.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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In its statement, Warren police said officers encountered Gibson after a 911 call reporting his suspicious behavior.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The path toward peace between the two sides remains uncertain despite U.S. efforts for diplomacy as the U.S. government and its allies attempt to work out potential security guarantees for Ukraine.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Buendia is keen to stay, but his future will remain uncertain until the window shuts on the evening of Monday, September 1.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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