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doubtful

Q: How does the adjective 'doubtful' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious , problematic , and questionable . While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty. // doubtful about whether I said the right thing

Q: When is 'dubious' a more appropriate choice than 'doubtful'?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation. // dubious about the practicality of the scheme

Q: When is it sensible to use 'problematic' instead of 'doubtful'?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain. // whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Q: When would 'questionable' be a good substitute for 'doubtful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful , questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded. // a man of questionable honesty

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Synonyms & Antonyms of doubtful

1 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

Synonyms for doubtful

Words Related to doubtful

diffident,
insecure

Phrases Synonymous with doubtful

on the fence

Near Antonyms for doubtful

Antonyms for doubtful

2 giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged

the election results were highly doubtful, so an investigation was begun

Synonyms for doubtful

Words Related to doubtful

moot

Near Antonyms for doubtful

Antonyms for doubtful

3 not likely to be true or to occur

our winning the championship increasingly looks like a doubtful outcome

Synonyms for doubtful

Words Related to doubtful

Near Antonyms for doubtful

possible,
potential

liable

Antonyms for doubtful

likely,
probable

4 open to question or dispute

a doubtful claim to the property

Synonyms for doubtful

Words Related to doubtful

Near Antonyms for doubtful

irrefutable

definite

Antonyms for doubtful

Frequently Asked Questions About doubtful

How does the adjective doubtful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious, problematic, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When is dubious a more appropriate choice than doubtful?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of doubtful?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When would questionable be a good substitute for doubtful?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful, questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty