1
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
any letter bearing the signature of Geronimo would be of dubious authenticity, to say the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
I'm dubious about our plan to go hang gliding without having had any training
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
made the dubious claim of being of royal blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in skeptical
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
dubious about a diet that claims I can eat all I want and still lose weight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
Conversely, the models are generally not rewarded for expressing doubt, omitting dubious details, or requesting clarification.
—
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Still, the father of two is seemingly dubious about the still-mysterious woman’s intentions.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Watch parties of dubious legality for this weekend’s finale are popping up at bars around America, but think how much revenue could be captured if someone was able to charge us to watch this.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Some are dubious of helping private developers build market-rate housing or concerned about gentrification and preserving the character of local communities.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Still, the father of two is seemingly dubious about the still-mysterious woman’s intentions.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Watch parties of dubious legality for this weekend’s finale are popping up at bars around America, but think how much revenue could be captured if someone was able to charge us to watch this.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
Some are dubious of helping private developers build market-rate housing or concerned about gentrification and preserving the character of local communities.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
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Even Hinch, who has done his best to project calm and confidence during this dastardly stretch, made one of his most questionable decisions in five years managing the Tigers.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
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The group said there are a few small trials examining the drug's use that are methodologically weak, use questionable statistical approaches, and do not justify clinical recommendations.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The callow striver Redmond Barry is played by 1970s heartthrob Ryan O’Neal, in one of his best performances, a reluctant conscript in the British army after leaving his Irish home in disgrace.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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Still, some Republican lawmakers said Trump may be reluctant to tap a policymaker previously nominated by a Democrat.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Under an imperial decree, her captors become unlikely allies, guiding Jewish refugees through ambushes, shifting alliances and treacherous waters, while Sara confronts leadership, loyalty and love at a high cost.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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However, the game rights change is contingent on the larger ESPN-NFL deal passing Department of Justice review, which seems increasingly unlikely to come before the NFL plots its 2026 calendar.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Still, Israelis and Palestinians are skeptical; large majorities of both doubt there will be permanent peace, new Gallup polling found.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
-
But experts remain skeptical about Martínez’s theory of a burial connected to Taposiris Magna.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That time, a very disputable foul denied him.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Season one ended on a cliffhanger as Joanne was hesitant to convert to Judaism, despite Noah’s promotion to head rabbi.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
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The Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Santa Clara County Board of Education co-sponsored the bill and said more than 165,000 students in the county live in a mixed-immigration status household and many families live in fear or are hesitant to sent their children to school.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But a recent change has left many in North Carolina still unsure about who’s actually eligible.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Sep. 2025
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Though initially unsure about opening such a concept in Noblesville, the Mohammads have built a community around 9th Street.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Instead, pressure for companies to boost moderation efforts and report suspicious content has largely risen from Congress and the public.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
23 Sep. 2025
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Sutter County sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Highway 20 and Bridge Street in Meridian after a driver reported suspicious behavior during a traffic stop.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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