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
Now, with McPherson abruptly un-disappeared, an even larger group of people—the relieved, the vengeful, the doubtful, and the desperate-for-a-byline—set about trying to vet her story.
—
Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Montgomery said Parayko was doubtful for the game against Seattle and that Tuesday’s game against Utah was a target date for his possible return from a knee scope.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Since his game designation remains doubtful, the star center likely won't be playing against Brooklyn.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
But the official was doubtful there were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Montgomery said Parayko was doubtful for the game against Seattle and that Tuesday’s game against Utah was a target date for his possible return from a knee scope.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Since his game designation remains doubtful, the star center likely won't be playing against Brooklyn.
—Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
But the official was doubtful there were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.
—Quil Lawrence, NPR, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
-
Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businesses unsure whether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Scientists were initially unsure what was confronting them in the dark.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Or couldn’t, thanks in part to questionable player usage by coach Jim Hiller.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
The deportation of Venezuelan men to a hellish mega-prison in El Salvador, on the questionable suspicion of gang affiliations, based on the presence of tattoos: flowers, a soccer logo, an autism-awareness ribbon.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Low interest rates are unlikely to return anytime soon.—
Azeem Khan,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
The foundation claimed Mexico was unlikely to change its stance when Sheinbaum was elected despite the escalating threat from cartels.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
Be skeptical of anyone talking about AI in generalities versus their specific expertise.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2025
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, by contrast, was a vociferous critic of Mr. Putin during his Senate tenure and has struck a more skeptical tone.—
Michael Crowley,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
Mary’s fixation on commemorating James’ dubious talents.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
2 May 2025
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Together, these studies indicate that boys may be especially sensitive to the quality of early caregiving—an argument to both increase social support for families and resist dubious assumptions that boys do not require substantial affectionate nurturing.—
Joshua Coleman,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
While the issue of gun violence is complicated and while many responses are debatable, this trend is neither.—
Joel Mosbacher,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2025
-
While her in-ring skills were debatable among fans, her undeniable charisma and strong connection with the WWE audience were consistently praised.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The individual was identified as Samuel Stovall, 51, and authorities said his death hasn't been deemed suspicious.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
Police were called to a section of Third Street for a report of a suspicious car, and ended up finding the man’s body inside, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
The future remains uncertain and the debate over fairness, inclusion and athlete rights continues.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remains uncertain for many in the area.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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