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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in disputable
open to question or dispute
a doubtful claim to the property
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of doubtful
They were also listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game at Milwaukee that was ultimately postponed due to the team being unable to fly out of Dallas thanks to the winter storms in D-FW.
—
Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
That seems doubtful, particularly given its lax enforcement of that policy to date.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The Celtics listed Queta as doubtful and Garza as questionable (both illness) for their home matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Former University of Denver Pioneers star and Denver native Troy Terry (upper-body injury) also sounded doubtful.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
That seems doubtful, particularly given its lax enforcement of that policy to date.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The Celtics listed Queta as doubtful and Garza as questionable (both illness) for their home matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Former University of Denver Pioneers star and Denver native Troy Terry (upper-body injury) also sounded doubtful.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
-
According to Aars, much more research is needed to understand how other polar bears are adapting to climate change — and scientists are still unsure whether the polar bears of Svalbard can maintain their reindeer- and walrus-based diet.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
-
When unsure, the safest course is to consult your doctor about a booster, which is safe for most adults.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Malik Monk, who started at point guard after De’Aaron Fox was traded last season, is questionable against the Wizards due to a right heel contusion.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
But Heat starting guard Norman Powell remains questionable for Sunday after missing Saturday’s loss to the Bulls because of personal reasons.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s unlikely to be much appetite in the country or elsewhere in the region for an overhaul – especially as China and Brazil are planning a railway corridor linking the country, and its exports like soybeans and iron ore, to the Peruvian port.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As crypto becomes more connected to the global financial market, price analysis is unlikely to cover all of them.—
Matthew Kayser,
Freep.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That disputable appraisal turned a few heads, and people began peppering the bot for further remarks on Musk’s physical prowess.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
20 Nov. 2025
-
That time, a very disputable foul denied him.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
What experts think is possible Michael Pachter, a managing director of equity research at wealth management firm Wedbush Securities, is highly skeptical of Cohen’s ability to fulfill the acquisition.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Housing analyst Jonathan Miller, who is skeptical of the proposal, says that landlords will likely try to raise market-rate rents to help cover at least some of that rise in costs.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Social media influencers promote dubious nutrition concepts and unproven health products or procedures without oversight.—
Kirstin R.W. Matthews,
STAT,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Chicago also had the dubious honor of having the first of only two bank failures nationwide last year.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Grappa is enjoyed as a digestif, though its ability to aid digestion after a large meal is debatable.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Whether his work on Anderson’s woozy epic of resistance is his personal best is debatable — the competition is fierce.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
If a homeowner finds a suspicious device, the department said not to touch it and call law enforcement.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Joining George in his fight to stop the slasher are a particularly suspicious student (Ian Sera) and a famous tennis pro (Lynda Day George) who, bored with the celebrity touring circuit, decides to join up as an undercover detective.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
